The Old Tree

THE OLD TREE Giant, gnarled, grizzled you stand, God-to-all those lesser creatures and brutes That bow in your shadow's wake. Escaping time's test, you are unmoved By that death grip that holds, and holds, Your fallen comrades and former friends. And I, I am your true love yet enemy. Remembering still, those quiet mornings Murmuring softly of long ago days. I have caressed you: I have kissed you. But in my darkest hour, I attack you, Screaming and howling cries of vengeance. I took your children, dashed them to the ground, Where my white blanket has been laid, That promises a slow death to all that live near. All the while, you stand mournfully on, A soft sigh here and there is your only word. Time has taught you all of this before. Now you wait for a new spring.