From tiny saplings to giant trees, <br />They stand all day and gently sway. <br />They take our harmful co2, <br />They give us the air that we breath. <br /> <br />Some quietly stood for hundreds of years, <br />Have watched all our history go by. <br />What tales they'd tell of our yesteryears, <br />If they could talk, tell all they saw. <br /> <br />Heart of Oak were our mighty Ships, <br />Ruling the waves, enabling an Empire. <br />Cricket Bats made from the graceful Willow, <br />Gave us our National game. <br /> <br />But the greatest gift that they endow is that of year long beauty, <br />Marking the changing seasons in natures own special way. <br /> <br />In Winter, reaching to the skies, like skeletons they stand, <br />Stark silhouettes with branches bare though all the rain and snow. <br /> <br />In Spring they raise our spirits when buds swell forth and burst, <br />With fresh green leaves of every hue that signal life anew. <br /> <br />In Summer and full leaf they stand, so very proud and tall, <br />Leaving us in wonder at our green and pleasant land. <br /> <br />In Autumn the cycle is complete, with just one final treat. <br />A riot of colour, leaves hang like jewels, dancing in the breeze, <br />Ruby red through to rusty brown, ochre, yellows and limes. <br />Leaves shimmer like fire on a sunny day then float down to the ground. <br />A magic carpet of Autumn tones is settled all around, <br />Lay like a mosaic, in a pallet so rich and warm. <br /> <br />This is the life cycle of our Trees, <br />Another ring on the trunk marks the year gone by. <br />Dormant now, resting, ready for Spring, <br />When the cycle begins all over again.<br /><br />David Barlow<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/tribute-to-trees/
