Dan Tipton - Cherokee Tree

Once I was strong, solid, full and tall
A home for many creatures, large and small
A shelter from storms, wind, rain, sun and snow
Many things I have seen come and go
Still here I stand, winter, summer, spring and fall
Rooted deep in the Mother of all

Branches, once full and strong
Now forgotten, their beauty gone
My Stem, once mighty, a solid base
Now empty and worn By the enimies I have faced
Still I stand here firm and tall
Rooted deep in the Mother of all.

Soon my time on this spot will cease
My work here done, I will then know peace
I will not go with sorrow, for I know my place
I have done my duty here with a steady pace
When I am done, This body may fall
My roots will remain
Deep in the Mother of all.

Dan Tipton

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/cherokee-tree/