Long ago I learned how important,
It was to be like a powerful tree,
As I grew in wisdom and stature,
There were those who relied on me,
At first I was merely like a shade,
To protect visitors from the sun,
As I grew wiser I slowly realized,
My branches were for everyone,
Then I became a resting spot,
For those who were passing through,
My branches as a social gathering place,
Became important for those who flew,
And finally groups came by,
Content that I was safe and secure,
I didn’t charge any to stay,
Because my heart was willing and pure,
My roots stretched wide and deep,
Within the clay packed ground,
And all the denizens within the dirt,
Were proud that I was earthen bound,
I had chosen where to place my roots,
I needed a strong unmovable base,
When ferocious storms came through,
I wanted to be ready just in case,
Yielding only to the harshest of winds,
Often I was unable to save the nests,
Or protect those who depended on me,
But I still chose to remain and do my best,
I didn’t mind being rooted to the ground,
Traveling was something I didn’t need,
I chose to be happy where I was planted,
I decided that as a seed,
My visitors and the winds kept me informed,
About the bigger earth around,
But I was as happy as I could be,
Content with the world I’d found,
Like a tree I didn’t travel far,
Though my thoughts and wishes flew,
And my dreams and hopes were carried about,
By those who cared and knew,
My home has been available to everyone,
My arms have opened wide,
Like a tree I stand with arms upraised,
While my heart beats warmly inside,
“Do you mind being anchored to the ground?”
Some people dare to ask,
I smile and say, “I’m like a tree,
I have a bigger task.”
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Lovely, I adore trees and find it quite a compliment to be compared to one :-). Deep roots, Dan.
You are indeed a tree, reaching out to share your life and feelings, touching family and friends, filling hearts with love, continuing to stretch and grow, but most of all just being there when someone needs you.
May the sun be on your face and the wind at your back as the Lord blesses you throughout the day. Carpe diem!
Dan, I really loved this piece. I love trees, so of course that captured my attention, but as allegory it shines! I found it encouraging, too, because I think I feel personally connected to the message. Beautiful! I will read again and again. Debra
Debra, I’m glad you liked my poem. Your comments made my day! I hope to have another poem out Thursday or Friday. About trees again but in the humor category. I’m home recovering from surgery, see “In a Bad Mood”, so I’ll have a little more time.
May the sun be on your face and the wind at your back as the Lord blesses you throughout the day. Carpe diem!
Good one, Dan! I love the story beneath the tree in this. Reminds me of my aunt and uncle. They were the only ones in the family who stayed in one place over the years, so they and their house was the proverbial tree (house?) you speak of. Awesome write!
http://charleslmashburn.wordpress.com/2012/01/18/dearest-joh/
Thanks, Charles, for your comment. Some people are the trees, others the wind.
May the sun be on your face and the wind at your back as the Lord blesses you throughout the day. Carpe diem!
We could probably gain a lot of wisdom, if we were more like trees. Patience for one and handling bad times like weather.
Not all trees have wisdom. Some start out as nuts.
May the sun be on your face and the wind at your back as the Lord blesses you throughout the day. Carpe diem!
wonderful piece.
thanks for sharing.
Thanks for visiting and commenting.
May the sun be on your face and the wind at your back as the Lord blesses you throughout the day. Carpe diem!
amazing piece…
Thanks, Taylor, for visiting.
May the sun be on your face and the wind at your back as the Lord blesses you throughout the day. Carpe diem!
wonderful thoughts on a tree staying firmly rooted to the ground while at the same time spreading its branches into the sky:))
This was wonderful Dan! I love nature; the sky, trees, the flowers and birds. I have been likened to a strong tree, but I never saw it till now. I guess in my way, I’ve tried hard to remain rooted strongly and to be available when needed I admit however, that I started out as a silly nut. I’m just blessed that I can now be there for everyone when I’m needed. Blessings!
http://elizena-lovingmycreator.blogspot.com/
Being a nut was my next post and then a series of haikus this weekend. Nuts in the family tree is humor. Enjoy.
May the sun be on your face and the wind at your back as the Lord blesses you throughout the day. Carpe diem!
Amen to that! Loved the poem, Dan!! Very nicely done indeed. smiles, Terri
Terri, I appreciate your comments. You’re an accomplished writer and your encouragement is golden.
May the sun be on your face and the wind at your back as the Lord blesses you throughout the day. Carpe diem!
Well thank you Dan, you made me blush! May the rain fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand!! I’m a wee bit Irish 🙂
I’ve got a bit of Irish blood running through my veins also. I’d like to see that blush. A royal flush I would think.
May the sun be on your face and the wind at your back as the Lord blesses you throughout the day. Carpe diem!
If I were to be a tree it would be a willow. Too many years I tried to be the Oak and lost wars with the wind. The willow can move and sway with the wind and have little to no damage and have a greater peace of mind I would imagine.
Willows are a good choice. You’d be by a stream, bending with the wind, and live many good, long years.
May the sun be on your face and the wind at your back as the Lord blesses you throughout the day. Carpe diem!