The Big Old Oak Tree

My journey began with a white owl taken from my family tree
To places unknown, a different world, starting a new life for me

Why am I here? Why couldn’t I stay?
What’s my purpose? Why do I feel so grey?

With the warmth of the sun, I stretch my arms to the sky
Another day of growing strong
My roots feel sturdy in the ground
I take a big breath in and out

My beautiful green leaves are ruffled in the wind
Doesn’t matter so much in winter, my leaves long gone
 I change my green jacket into a yellow one, then orange.
When my jacket changes red I sleep

I’ve discovered my purpose, I bring oxygen and shelter to tiny people
Like a big umbrella, a place to shelter, protecting everybody from their fears
My limbs show the scars of life
As I battle through strangling ivy, roaring chainsaws and sharp axes.

An owl swoops down into my branch
I discover who the owl is today
His purpose all those years ago becomes clear
He plucks an acorn and takes it away