Elder Oak

I wish to live out all the years I've got left, like this Oak
Watching in serenity each day the setting moon and turning
My face always back to see the sunrise to the east
Reveling in rainfalls long and drinking up through deep deep roots
Nourishment from nearby graves of some forgotten family
Watching over springtime's green and loving how my leaves turn red
Waiting for the single dusting winter's meager snows afford
Standing ever tall and proud, even in the bleakest winter
Embracing even lightning strikes and standing up through every storm
Loving every animal that finds a home beneath my branches
I know this tree and it knows me and peace is our one final fate

Clifton Goodwin
Autumn Twenty Twelve