I sit beneath this giant tree
That graces our backyard,
And stare up into branches
That reach forever far

Her rings and I, we match in age
Both planted at a time,
When simple was a way of life
And kindness filled the mind

I love this tree as though my kin
Her maple leaves my shade,
Protecting from the sun and heat
While in the breeze they wave

I dream of climbing up again
The way a young girl did,
Supported by her mighty strength
From enemies I hid

I envy now the squirrels and birds
Who reach the highest branch,
Up through the many byways
That big girls simply can’t

Instead I sit and listen close
While in the wind she sings,
And echo back “I’m grateful for
The peace my soul you bring.”

~ Leana Delle
Sunday, July 7, 2019
2019 Sunday Poetry Challenge – Number twenty-six of fifty-two
Photo Credit: Hayley Seibel