The Tree

Written in the 1960s --- While speeding through the countryside one cool October day I slowed to contemplate a massive tree. It wasn’t long until I once again was on my way, But “wonder” soon would stir inside of me. I turned around and headed back, I had some time to kill, The tree just seemed to beckon to my heart. And being late for where I had to be was no big deal. (I only wished I’d known it from the start). Soon I found the farmer’s drive and up the lane I sped To seek an answer to my little quiz, And after introductions had been quickly put to bed, I asked him if that big old tree was his. “Not exactly,” he would say, “it’s true I own the sod, But no one really claims to own the tree. It’s said the seed was planted by the very hand of God, And that sure makes a lot of sense to me. We’ve had storms that roared through here that flattened every barn, With every house and silo blown away, And though the farms were taken, still the tree was never harmed! It’s never lost a limb…right to this day. I looked at him in disbelief, and when he saw my eyes, He said, “Let’s go and visit that old tree?” And though I didn’t actually feel the man was telling lies, I told him, “Sure, OK. Sounds good to me.” And as we walked, in private thoughts, I tried to find the words That I would use to let him “off the hook” When I’d disprove the myth within the story I’d just heard, But, when, at last, I got a closer look, I would find the branches…that I thought would be like steel… Were actually swaying gently with the breeze. The emerald leaves were supple, with a very tender feel, And - though I haven’t touched a lot of trees - In doing so, I felt an overwhelming need to pray, And so I closed my eyes and bowed my head, And as the Lord and I conversed, the nice old man would say, “So, son…do you remember what I said? I told you how so many feel this is a sacred tree. As you can see, it filled your heart with prayer, So don’t forget that God is always there for you and me, And there are trees like this one everywhere.” PS: I've now got 4 new Audio-CDs - @ 4 1/2 hours each = (62 diversely varied pieces). They’re listed on EBAY - under - “Mark Stellinga Poetry” - or available by simply contacting me at -- mark@writerofbooks.com -- should those of you who enjoy listening to poems as well as reading them - and particularly those of you that travel - care to be so entertained. (We use safe and simple - PayPal) There are a bunch of my pieces on YouTube as well --- Cheers, Mark