Trees

I wish that they could talk to me
These giant, ancient trees
What wisdom lurks beneath their bark?
What's hidden in their leaves?

They clothe themselves in shades of green
And sometimes brown and red
Depending on the type of tree
Sometimes their leaves they shed

When springtime comes, some wear their jewels
Of blossoms, amid leaves
These flowers enhance the greens and browns
And float down from the trees

Such beauty lurks within their height
They're calming, tough and strong
Yet they give shelter with their arms
No wonder birds here throng

Yes, they give shade and shelter too
To people from the weather
From sun too hot, or rain too hard
They beat the umbrella

Such welcome lies within a tree
Their arms outstretched invite
Admire me and sit with me
Come climb me if you like

Trees hold the earth, they hold the soil
So we can plant and sow
And when winds come, the earth stays put
And streams can, mud free, flow

Our secrets stay within their hearts
Our faults, our shame, our love
They serve, adorn, lift silent praise
To Father God above

So many things they must have seen
While sturdy, silent, on the green.