Tree Grows Here
(An imperfect tribute)
A Tree Grows Here
A tree grows here in the garden of life,
Standing proud and tall.
She spreads her leafy branches wide,
Protecting all inside her loving bower.
And in the times of raging storms
That try to rip her up, she bows instead to wicked wind,
Embracing all within her loving boughs
To keep them safe to smile again.
And when they’re well again and sap is running high,
A friendly breeze blows light to kiss her brow
And dances playful with her leaves–
Our tree can smile again quite pleased.
When her mate and saplings ail with blight,
She shares the water from her roots
To nurse them back to health,
And never thinks to ask for wealth.
And while she never asked for thanks,
Thanks comes in Nature’s form:
As love’s respect from her was born,
Love and respect to her come back.
But now she’s in the winter of her life,
Growing old but giving still,
Her boughs are bleak from a losing streak
But her living will smiles on.
Her saplings all have gathered round
Beneath her shading boughs,
They keep her safe through all the Times
And share the vine of love that binds.
She planted healthy roots of love
And her seeds bear healthy fruit,
They honour her in many ways
Proving how good gardening pays:
Giving back is the greatest gift
And health is the greatest wealth–
And mother tree began it all.
Her babes are grown and on their own
Standing strong here in her stead
Tending to her every seed, so rife,
Life regenerating life.
— —
Photos by H. W. Bryce
