Father

A Giant pine, magnificent and old,

Stood staunch against the sky and all around

Shed beauty, grace and power.  Within its fold

Birds safely reared their young.  The velvet ground

Beneath was gentle and the cooling shade

Gave cheer to passers-by.  Its towering arms

A landmark stood, erect and unafraid,

As if to say, “Fear not from life’s alarms.”

It fell one day, where it had dauntless stood

Was loneliness and void.  But men who passed

Paid tribute – said, “To know this life was good.

It left its mark on me.  Its work stands fast.”

And so it lives.  Such life no bounds can hold –

This giant pine, magnificent and old.

To My Father, Georgia Harkness