PUSSY WILLOW TREE

For months I have watched you,

Leafless, with winter upon you,

Yet, you indestructibly stood there,

Giving me hope with each new leaf

Appearing under the spring sun.

You became a force in my life,

Your aged branches overhanging my door,

You spoke of a past age when you were planted

In the large grounds of a white mansion.

You grew strong and watched a generation go by.

Then they built a wall by your side;

The lawn you had graced was too valuable now.

But you grew to the side,

And spread your branches to my door.

Your companions – the birds,

Found their home in your boughs,

Bringing music and life in their call.

Now you have proven your strength of survival,

And cast your beauty for me to behold,

A stern reminder of nature the essence,

You must fall.

I will remember when you stood tall,

Overhanging my door.