Tree Upon the Hill

Once, among the daffodils Stood a shy old tree, I said 'Hello, old friend' It rustled a reply to me, 'I hurt, as you can see' 'Why is that so, I need to know, How do you hurt? I asked, 'You look sublime, Limbs are fine, Fit for winter's task 'Looks deceive, You must believe, In solitude, I stand forlorn, Once I stood with other trees, Now their lives are shorn' 'Some were aged and hewn away, Others, for reasons unknown, Yet, here I stand In forgotten cheer, I ask, why am I now alone?' I stood in silence, Hand on bough, My new friend was in distress, Surely, an answer must be found, 'til then, I bear unrest' A thought occurred Of long ago, This tree upon the hill, That once it urged my love and me To pick the daffodils 'My friend, stand proud,' said I, Alone, you will never be For many a lover upon this hill Will ever remember thee'