The Heart of Balmville
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A living thing I was; I graced your land-
three hundred years and more, I stood with pride.
A focal point to meet with friends to stand,
or drive through intersecting roads beside
the wall that sheltered me, your age-old tree-
assumed long-standing for eternity.
The 'Heart of Balmville' often you called me;
so many grew up in my view's embrace,
and took for granted that my vision be
forever etched within this Balmville space.
Inside your small historic park, I stood
preserved for years in my dear ancient wood.
My statuesque magnificence, now gone-
your hearts are saddened, missing my great limbs.
But with my stump, may memories hold on-
while image of my leaves and branches dims.
May 'Heart of Balmville' live within your heart-
I, Balmville Tree, at last from you depart.
August 22, 2015
Premiere Contest: No 1183
Sponsor: Brian Strand
Note: "The Balmville Tree was Methuselah among trees, a gnarled
and furrowed Cottonwood that has lived four times as long as its
kind was meant to live. George Washington rode past it on the way
to his Newburgh, New York headquarters..." NY Times, 09/20/2015
Copyright © Sandra Haight | Year Posted 2015
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