Sweet, serene willow tree.
Your gentle boughs bowing down
To softly, gently touch me.
Too seldom my shade from hot summer sun,
Too often mere afterthought of midday run.
Yet peace you ‘ere provide
If not for all who never come.
Patient, stately willow tree,
Gracing the land with your beauty.
Your long arms stretched out in kindness
Scorned by child, so carefree.
They tug and pull your branches raw
Who yank and hang till young leaves fall.
A quick glimpse out my window pane,
And by terror am kept enthralled.
Dry, yellow willow tree,
Fading leafed willow tree.
Leaves no longer lush and moist,
But crisp beneath my feet.
Your limbs now arching limply down
Seek relief from supportive ground.
You’ve bent and borne the brunt of our affection
And with deep roots some deep strength found.
Gracious, lonely willow tree,
Birds find sure home within thee.
Trapped apart by gated fence,
Your only friends, not family.
Now evening casts a hazy shadow.
Final song spewed by neighbor sparrow.
While air is still and deep and thick,
Tough bark tries hard to move your marrow.
Bare, brown willow tree,
Thin, waning willow tree.
Your bony tendrils oft laid bare
Not yet but a memory.
What trying hardship ails you so,
That on your limbs no leaves do grow?
Is it we, your stewards, stripped you bare?
For the same you hang be it sun or snow.
Stripped, withered willow tree,
You once were majesty.
And yet still far too young to die.
Where now is your glory?
Nighttime shrouds your weary limbs.
Too tired! Your shame the darkness hems.
Laid to rest we fear far more a season.
Your existence left naught but memorable whims.
--------------------
But sun emerges, so bright, so free,
Trumpeting new day with cool swift breeze
That breathes new life in your leafy presence
And sets in motion branches dancing!
Alive again you spring forth new.
Rise up from ground from which you grew.
Hold in strong hands both cardinal and dove,
Reaching up to kiss the sky so blue.
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