THE TREE

Life wasn't always easy;
 But she never did complain;
 Though I saw her shed a leaf or two,
 When cold November's came.

How her arms spread wide 
 And welcomed any weary nesting soul;
 Vast numbers took their comfort there,
 In spring and winters' snow.

When August sun's beat down on me,
 I rested 'neath her shade;
 And warmed myself in winter 
 With the firewood she gave.

Played beneath the shelter 
 Of her strong and sturdy limbs;
 Swung from her branches happily 
 With all my childhood friends.

In her bark, I carve initials 
 Of those sweethearts long forgot;
 From her branches, hang my medals,
 And hide my secrets in her knots.

From her seeds, I grew an orchard,.
 In her leaves I made a bed;
 And when I thought to give up...
 Her trunk spoke, "forge ahead!"

I gaze now through her branches,
 Far past where eyes can see;
 And every bough uncovered,
 Tells that much more of ME!

And I proudly bear the markings 
 Of her awesome history;
 Oh, she started but a seedling ... 
 And became my family tree.