Underneath The Willow Poem by Barry Middleton

underneath the willow tree
besides the river's edge

the lovers sang an ancient tune
and swore an ancient pledge

until this tree is dead and gone
and river beds are dry

then I will love you till the end
he tells her with a sigh

the years pass on to memory
and love must fade away

like promises and broken vows
and songs of yesterday

and now the willow is cut down
and thrown into the fire

the river washed away the oath
and quenched forsworn desire