That was budding
its springtime yield.
I saw in the
distance, in the open glade,
Surrounded by
newborn flowers of every shade,
A tree, great in
stature, but gentle in form.
Its core made wise
by many a storm.
In awe I
approached this majestic old oak,
And then with a
whisper it quietly spoke.
“Grow, my friend, for spring is here;
If your roots are in solid ground you have nothing to
fear.”
Months past before
I came this way again;
Summer had come,
and with it the sun’s pain.
It was a joy to
see that tree from afar;
To a weary
traveler, few better sights there are.
As I rested from
my journey beneath its branches,
The leaves seamed
to whisper, no matter the chances.
“When pilgrims come, and the
sojourner tires of the path so steep,
Give them food and water and a place to sleep.
Treat the kindly, do them well, make them feel like a
guest,
For you have been given much; the Lord has made you blessed.”
The leaves turned
from green to gold, as time faded away.
Once more I traveled
this path; Once more I crossed this way;
Once more I saw
that old tree a short distance from me.
It was engulfed in
simple splendor, colorful sea;
Leaves of gold,
yellow, orange, and brown formed its robe.
This time there
was no whisper but a shout; a proclamation around the glove!
“Give glory to God with all you possess:
This is not a time for recess.
Don’t be afraid to let your colors shine.
Give it your all, your heart, your soul, your
strength, and your min(d).”
Winter had come,
and the bustling brook turned to ice;
The storms raged
and roared, the wind cut and dice.
This was my last
journey for the year and the coldest by far.
There was the
tree, striped of its leaves, full of winter’s scar.
Its words were
simple, but strong, “Be prepared for
winter,
And when it comes make sure that you are not made of
tinder.
Stand strong though the wind begins to howl.
Sand strong though you think the whole world scowl.
Stand strong though heaven and earth are at war.
Stand strong, for spring will come once more.”
~ Derek Glatts
