Old Man Forest

Old Man Forest, way past prime, ravaged by the test of time. Savaged by rot and decay; scarce thought it would end this way. Strong, he stood for years and years; now, enough to bring to tears. Rotting from the inside out, how much longer, much in doubt, till he falls to forest floor, stands in beauty nevermore. Acorn to a mighty oak, there to bask in sun and soak, high above the canopy, sheltering beautifully. Insidious parasites, death by multitudes of bites, chew his marrow, strip his strength, termites run from length to length. Creatures found in him a home. Soon, he's resting in the gloam. Rising up from the decay, the next giant grows one day. ---------- a little different, in that all lines are 7 syllables