There Is A Tree I'd Like To Be

There is a tree I'd like to be
And so I have thought hard
To have my ashes strewn about
The oak tree in my yard

I know the walnut's nobler
But I've not one you see
The cherry is more beautiful
But that would not be me

I thought of apple sweetly scented
In an orchard quite contented
Thought on maple hard and strong
That helps to make the fiddle's song

I briefly looked at dogwood too
The poplar, butternut and yew
But none of these would really do
And so I'll be an oak

'Tis true oak's not my favorite wood
I would be walnut if I could
What wood would you be if you could
I guess you think I joke

But for this oak I have a plan
When my poor body's lived its span
And my remains enrich its soil
Once I've left this mortal coil

I'll be absorbed and taken high
Become the oak and touch the sky
With branches that will overspread
Those left behind when I am dead

In my strength and height I'll mind
The generations left behind
I hope the young ones will be kind
To me when I'm a tree

And maybe hang from me a swing
And underneath my bright leaves sing
Drape ribbons on me in the spring
Beneath me whisper love's sweet things


An oak's a very long-lived tree
But I know time will come to be
When boughs will break and branches fall
And father time will come to call

And when my second life is done
I hope for a son of a son of a son
Who'll cut me down while being tender
And into planks my soul will render

And take those boards into his shop
To make something of Great Grand Pop
And touch me with his sweet sharp plane
That Great Grand Pop might live again

There is a tree I'd like to be
A tree of immortality
To touch loved ones I'll never see

And be touched by them

In Eternity
















Thomas J. Watson - Cabinetmaker (ret.)
(Real Email is tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet)
http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1/