She Stood Tall


She stood so tall, so sturdy and wide
Her branches, and leaves on winds would ride.
Her long lovely Limbs were so arrayed
That to and fro they softly swayed.

Stretching, twisting, and bending each way
To greet, and soak up each loving ray.
As to earth fell summer showers,
Thirsty roots each drop devours.


Toes were buried, splayed and deep.
To steady, to hold and balance keep!
She scattered clouds with her fingered reach.
Rejoiced as dawn’s dark horizon was breached.

She framed my house as she framed my life,
She eased, and comforted each day’s strife.
A true old friend now sick and aged
To support and save her a war we waged!

Cut her back and Cabled each limb,
but all attempts to cut and to trim,
Just stayed a moment, the Reaper Grim.

Stump it! The Surgeon finally cried!
Never! Not her! I vociferously replied.

Cut if you must her lovely protrusions.
Keep her standing! (Tho’ I had few illusions)
I will not have my sanctuary desecrated!
Leave her standing to be consecrated.

I look with sad and wetted eyes
This true and noble giants’ demise

Sometimes at dusk, with my eyes half-closed
Like phantom limbs Her branches grow,
Once again and high above me
Towers our lovely Maple Tree!