Words From the Oak

*Inspired by a comment Marikate Kingston made on one of my poems. Not for contest. First I was small, shorter than flowers around me The world was so vast, a kingdom to see Then time flew fast and I felt stronger each season Some things passed me quickly without any reason Birds flew by, but others stopped to take a rest I could feel them on my branches, some would make a nest In years I felt change, with colors of my leaves, I stood tall I let go through these times, as my acorns would fall I saw people come along and sit beneath me in the shade I watched love, heard their laughter, saw picnics made One young girl decided she would make a swing She had so much fun, in the breeze, she would sing One time an owl startled me during the night It seemed to find its respite, in the glow of moonlight I had some long time friends around me, ash, birch and pine The sun would reach each one of them as they would shine The storms could be fierce, breaking branches here and there We all had our stories that we would love to share How our strength helped us survive, rooted in the ground As everyone walked by, we stood speechless without a sound *I could tell many stories, written in rings through the years I will leave that up to my baby acorns and all their happy cheers Heidi Sands 8/23/23