The Faithful Oak

A Lament

I planted out an oak tree
One hundred years ago;
I saw her fed and watered,
I watched her lithely grow.
I watched her through the winter wild
Frosted, frore and dark.
I watched her as the summer sunburn
Baked her golden bark.

My friend the ardent oak tree
Drew me by the hand;
Her strength an inspiration,
She taught me how to stand.
Amidst the savage blizzard
She learned to bow and bend;
Resisting stormful battles,
Triumphant in the end.

Now an aged oak tree,
Her wisdom with me resting,
She, towering tall, majestic
Withstanding nature's testing.
Her arms suffuse, embracing,
She beckoned me with pride;
I laid me down within her shroud
And neath her sanctum died.

Reviews

[Carola]

very heartfelt poetic words on trees, alan.
i was anticipating a different ending, where the tree died from chopping down.
i couldn't think of a more tranquil place to leave this world.
cheerio carola

[Alan S Jeeves]

Thank you for reading and reviewing Carola. I appreciate your words.

Kind regards, Alan

[John the Baptist]

Nicely rhymed piece with a good message. Nature persists while we pass on. Even with all our media and science, we can still learn from Mother N.

[Alan S Jeeves]

We sure can john, trees are a good place to be when thinking has to be done, you are never alone with a tree.

Kind regards, Alan

[Samuel Dickens]

I think that I shall never see... there's hardly a better example of life to aspire to than a tree, I think. Marvelous words, my friend. There's a tree I planted nearly sixty years ago that I go by to see occasionally. (It's looking better than me)

[Alan S Jeeves]

If you think, Samuel, that your tree has forgotten you in a mere 60 years you are mistaken. Trees, alike with elephant's, never forget. Both are mighty and respectful and always remember those who helped them when they were young. Trees have a heart (heart of oak) and yours will be overjoyed to see you when you visit. Check it out next time you call by - it will be welcoming you with open arms - I promise.

Kind regards, Alan

[Chris Shaw]

I have an affinity with trees Alan so this poem speaks to me. I liked the sentiment expressed. As usual your pen works wonders with its rhyme and meter. Good morning to you. Have a happy Friday.

Chris

[Alan S Jeeves]

Hi Chris. I already knew you liked trees. I have writ many spoonfuls of poems about them. (I used to write poems about flowers until I branched out!)
This is simply a lament, although not too sad I think.
Oak trees live forever, but not so little boys.
I am pleased that you liked this piece Chris and wish you a very happy and peaceful weekend.

Kind regards, Alan