This tree,
large and warping with age
droops slightly as if to say,
"I'll protect you."

These dusty brown branches,
drowning in transparent, grass-green leaves
stretch as if to say,
"I'm happy here."

Leaves, quietly rustling-
branches, silently swaying ease
white noise, as if to say,
"I'll be here... always."

And in the fall the leaves will change.
And in the winter the tree will be stripped.
And in the spring they'll grow back again;
back to the sweet summer glow we all know and love.

This tree,
large and warping with age, and
(although tired) still says,
"I'll stay."