The Cherry Tree Poem by Theresa Ann Moore

Standing… guarding my backdoor
There to greet my youth as I went
On my carefree way… into my teens
Calmly giving your silent consent

You spread your branches
in the summer...watching me
Offering your selfless cool shade
Extending finger-tips with cherries

As you grew straight and much taller
I never noticed how you were changing
Your presence was taken for granted
Unaware that your countenance was aging

I went away and became a stranger
I was delving as I ventured to succeed
When I returned I found you shriveling…
Barren limbs no longer were canopied

A tugging sadness overwhelms me
Your brittle being has spent its life away
I pay tribute as years of memories replay
Looking at your silhouette consumed by decay

11/18/09