The Hanging Tree

I once stood proud, proud and tall, Overlooking the village wall, Children came and climbed on me, I was the friendly old oak tree, Lots of laughter, friendly games, On my bark they carved their names, Until the day the shadow fell, Now I’m known as the tree from hell! I’d known this man from his childhood days, His smiling face and cheeky ways, I’d watched him grow, seen him cry, It broke my heart to help him die, The noose gripped tighter his struggles waned, My very soul cried out in pain, Now children avoid and fear me, The Devils own, hanging tree!