The Tree

The Tree Through the foggy mist of a new day dawning Appears a huge tree, awaiting the birth of another winter morning. All that remains is its bare branches stretching toward the sky And an old abandoned nest, left by its owner who traveled south so it wouldn't die. The tree appears lonely but somehow full of hope As if it knows Spring will come which enables it to cope. A few months have gone by and the faithful tree is still there But now it's consumed with excitement from its first breath of spring air. It seems new life has come to the tree within a blink of an eye It now stands picturesque, full of lavish green foliage set against the baby blue sky. It waves its branches proudly with the breeze as if to show off its features Which also seems to serve as a welcome sign to all of God's little creatures. It appears to be much happier, now that its friends are back once again Cradling brand new birds' nests and providing shelter during the rain. The little squirrels also take advantage of their most generous host It seems they like chasing each other up and down the tree's trunk the most. The tree is now bursting with activity With all of God's wee ones living His promise of love and longevity. All through the summer the tree takes pleasure as it continually strives To serve as the best meeting place for everything that creeps, leaps or flies. Full of contentment, I'll bet the tree lets out a happy sigh Every time it watches a baby bird learn how to fly Or whenever a caterpillar turns into a pretty butterfly. I often wonder if the tree truly understands The major part it plays in God's circle of life simply because it stands. Fall has now arrived and the tree appears sort of saddened by the sound Of its first leaf gently falling to the ground. All of its friends begin packing it up as they gather for a big revival That's when the tree wishes them a safe and happy journey as they head south for their survival. The tree bids each one farewell and says loud and clear "To each God's speed and have no fear For I'll be waiting right here when you come back next year." It is now winter and a year in the life of the tree has come full circled once more Although lonely, it is bigger and stronger than ever before. But I know not to feel sadness, especially for the tree's sake For in God's plan, He makes sure even the tree gets a well-deserved break.