The Weathered Old Tree

I took a little walk in the woods today
The sun was hidden, the sky was grey
And I wondered as I walked, what has it all meant?

I was feeling low, my spirit was down
On my face, there lingered a trace of a frown
And I thought of all the wasted years I've spent.

Then I saw in the distance, a tree so tall
With it's limbs spread wide as if to call
And it seemed to say, come rest awhile with me.

So I wandered over and gazed up high
At the time-worn branches reaching to the sky
And I knew this was the place I should be.

The leaves were full, though slightly torn
The bark was so rough, cracked and worn
I could tell that it had weathered so many years.

My hand rested gently against the bole
And I felt the peace seep into my soul
Then slowly I began to release all my pent-up tears.

The peace I achieved as I stood there so quiet
Was what I had searched for both day and night
And I knew at last happiness was waiting for me.

My heart was lifted, my spirits rose again
My mind was at last relieved of it's pain
I found rest and hope beneath that weathered old Tree.

©Betty Lindsey 5/09/05