Here stands a splendid chestnut tree.
But in its trunk there grows decay.
It’s no longer upright we see.
Each week it leans one more degree.
It will come crashing down one day.
Here stands a splendid chestnut tree.
It’s a danger we all agree.
When windy it will creak and sway.
It’s no longer upright we see.
From back in eighteen forty three
It has put on a grand display.
Here stands a splendid chestnut tree.
The chainsaw men hired for a fee
Now quickly start to hack away.
It’s no longer upright we see.
Now empty space it has left free.
Much sadness we all feel today.
Here stood a splendid chestnut tree.
It’s no longer upright we see.
And here I am under your majestic embrace
Giving into what your nature shares
Wondering why you need those spiky pods
Is it to protect what you treasure most?
When autumn comes you then let it go.
I too have my spiky pods
Holding on, not wanting to let go.
Keeping safe my inner soul.
As the leaves changes I hold my breath
And realise that I am autumn past.
What became of the old chestnut tree?
That stood tall for all to see
I cannot find them now, did they die?
All this time I’ve wondered why.
Limbs would arch and touch one another
Chestnuts would drop hard and I’d run for cover,
All over the ground they would lie
Reminds me of the walnut trees that stood by.
Piling up the leaves in one big heap
just to take a jump and a leap,
horse chestnuts had a light brown luster
strung along the branches in small clusters.
I treasure the past with many memories
Fun and frolic under those big great trees,
having a picnic under the enormous shade
that was my playground, where I once played.
Skeletal remains
naked to the elements
iced by winter's breath
The yawning giant
awakened by spring's nudging
unfurl sticky buds
The bustling leaves
an emerald factory
absorbing sunlight
Golden crispy leaves
flutter and carpet the earth
skeletal remains
Proud stands the solitary chestnut
to embrace each coming year
memories cowed deep in the bark
memories of yesteryear
Few share the old trees secrets
so few can pass that way
but every step that treads her path
leaves dreams of Shropshire days
If I was given one wish free
by a fairy from beyond our times,
I’d tell her that I wish to be
an agèd, stately chestnut tree
rooted deep in solid ground,
my sturdy trunk not being bowed
to some ill-humored gust,
my branches growing high and wide
so gifted with all seasons’ pride,
such as Spring’s blossoms,
Summer’s shady velvet-green,
and getting cooler in the Falls
I’d blush with joy to shed
all of my shining fruity balls,
before I stand in peace
while my bald arms are letting pass
a Winter’s frosty cruelties,
trusting the cycle soon will start anew
and I will love to spread my lush crown over you.
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