I see a tree in autumn’s grip
It’s wooden crown is nearly stripp’d
The green is gone the leaves ablaze
The verdant past lost in the haze

There was a time in days gone by
When birds would rest there from the sky
Children would climb into its heights
And from this perch their dreams take flight

The trunk now bears the marks of time
But not quite yet beyond its prime
The branch though bowed is not yet broke
Much strength remains with aging oak

Though shade is thin and rain slips through
This tree still stands and shelters you
From blist’ring wind and flaming dart
And holds you close within its heart

As long as God give strength to last
This tree for you stands guard steadfast

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Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash