Older Than Columbus

New Jersey has a special tree,
A sturdy, mammoth oak,
Beneath whose shade George Washington
And Lafayette once spoke.

The tree was there before, from Spain,
Columbus started out.
The experts say 600 years
Might be its age (about).

Alas, the tree's demise is near.
It's dying and, though faved
By everyone who knows it,
It's too rotten to be saved.

For now, they're just removing limbs;
Next year it will be felled
But think of all the history
That mighty trunk beheld.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Flats Avatar
November 9, 2016 at 9:44 AM
Ah, if those trees could talk, the stories they would tell. Probably something like, "those humans are too rotten to be saved..." sigh. Enjoyed! ~ j
Allison Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 3:33 PM
It must be a spectacular sight Ilene I see few oak trees on the Island and none of that incredible age:-) a lovely tribute to this wonderful historic oak:-) hugs jan xx
Andresen Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 3:26 PM
- A tree that many have had the pleasure of ... maybe, sitting in the shade on a hot summer day and write a poem :) - A great poem, Ilene - Happy weekend - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
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