Oak tree by the gate
Beauty quiet and deep
standing by while I sleep
All my life you wait.
Gray–browed in bark all rough.
Deep green leaves drop down
Branches forming your crown
To stop the sun, strong enough.
Silence standing guard
I grew under your limbs
Singing rock songs and hymns
In your yard.
Thick trunk growing so wide
Never hands got around
Growing up from the ground
And embracing the sky.
Summer sun shelter true
While I rest in your shade
In its coolness I wade
Back to you.

1998-1999