
I am old but my memory is rooted deep. Long before men built their houses, my seed grew into a sapling and I grew strong and tall beside my brothers, the oak, the birch, the pines. I have been home to so many— birds, squirrels, raccoons, insects—some poor tenants, others kind and beneficial. I stayed true to my roots, when my neighbors were chopped down in their prime, replaced by houses; I took comfort knowing they were still close, their wood sturdy and sheltering from within while I stood guard outside. I have given humankind so much— hope in the budding green of spring, shade from summer's heat, colors vast and varied to inspire when autumn calls— something to remember warmly on cold and barren winter days. The children always loved me best because my branches started low, making me easy to climb. They sat as high as they could, hiding where they wouldn't be seen, singing songs, sharing secrets, and dreaming of the possibility of all things. No children have played here for a very long time now. I think I miss them most of all. The seasons keep changing, and I change with them, growing in girth, adding rings of history. I am old but I am not dead yet, and my memory is rooted deep.

~Elise Skidmore ©2020
Very nice Elise. I love all your poems but this one especially. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much! Sometimes these prompts for the PAD challenge bring about some good poems, so I’m glad you think this is one of them.
Love this story, I love trees , I always said when I come back I want to be a tree.
Thanks so much, Lucille, for letting me know.