How many times I have lingered
In the shade of this old tree
Letting the years that it has known
Add to those of me.
It never let me know the storms
That through its branches blew
And always offered me the time
To learn the things it knew.
It never gave excuses
For that which it was not
Nor did it ask for favors
For things from it I got
It always stood and weathered well
Considering not its plight
Beneath the heat of summer sun
Nor cold of winter's night.
Now it lay before me
Still giving in its death
All the things that give a life
The meaning of its breadth.
And though it soon will pass from view
In its memory I'll recall
That living starts with giving
And giving life it all.
this is my favorite. i'll stop here. spent some time on a trail yesterday and, too, thought of all a tree experiences, often outlives in it's lifetime. thanks for sharing this. a REALLY great poem. : )