My Oak-Tree Friend

On a forty acre spread I once owned, in the coastal hills of Mendocino County, there was an old bay laurel tree. It was stout and fragrant and cool. It had a low limb just God-shaped for my reclining. I’d sleep and study and ponder life on that moss-covered, comfy appendage. Hindsight suggests I was hugged by that friend.

My Oak Tree Friend

I'm not sure how to explain
My relationship with this tree
But I'm feelin’ the need to tell
How the friendship came to be

It would shade a hot-day nap
When chores were done - or not
The wide trunk would hide me
So's I wouldn't get caught

Dad built a dripline fence
To keep our cattle away
The simple stile on the side
Allowed us kids in to play

When I was just a little pup
I’d often bareback ol’ Jim
Up ‘longside that huge trunk
To fetch me up on a limb

When I began to know Jesus
As I was comin’ of age
It’s where I’d quiet-read my Bible
My pup partnerin' each page

I've buried two dogs and a horse
Under the shield of those ol' limbs
Sundays when the road washed out
It was where we'd sing our hymns

That oak has guided me home
When ridin’ from far away
It's been my own fixed star
I've forever counted on to stay

That tree was Dad's teachin' place
When he had lessons to share
He'd say, "Son let's take a walk"
We'd always end up there

I introduced my Julie to it
On our early romancin' dates
Eventually proposin’ near
Where we'd become life-mates

Yep, ours was an oak-tree wedding
Beneath the cover of my friend
It’s where I swore to serve and lead
My bride to protect and defend

It pauses me some every fall
When it gets naked and bare
I pray it'll leaf again in spring
More days and shade to share

We're purty short on trees
Out here in the west Texas hills
I pray God preserves this one
'Least 'til my lifeblood spills

I know it's only an old tree
But it's shared so many a story
I pray it'll live lots more years
Leafin’ out each spring in glory

by Rik Goodell
© 2024 All rights reserved

This  sentimental painting, by Jack Sorenson, reminded me of a tree I once loved. It inspired this poem.

For more of this artist's work, go to his website:

https://www.jacksorensonfineart.com/