A The Top Poem by Jim Yerman

I was walking by a tree the other day…composing poems inside my head
when a breeze blew the tree's branches open wide, "Would you like to climb? He said.

When I was a child I'd run right in and climb to the top…no fears
but I am so much older now…I haven't climbed a tree in years.

"What if I'm not able? " I said…"What if I can't remember how? "
The tree smiled, "I didn't let you fall when you were young…
I won't let you fall now".

I looked up to the top of the tree remembering how I once soared…
and when he extended a branch to the ground…I happily climbed aboard.

I began to climb with all my might…I made it to a branch unscarred
I don't remember when I was younger…that climbing was this hard.

I took my time on this climb…making frequent stops
before, with the tree's branches offering support…I finally made it to the top.

I stood on a branch to catch my breath…a little tired but satisfied too
and as I swayed back and forth with the tree in the breeze…
I looked out and enjoyed the view.

As I held on to the top of the tree…I whispered in his ear…
"Thank you…for I had almost forgotten how beautiful it is up here".

For a moment from my perch…I don't think more happiness could be found
and I thanked the tree again as he helped me to the ground.

If today a tree opens it's branches and asks if you'd like to climb…
climb up…climb up…don't stop.
and don't be surprised if there's a smiling old man
waiting for you at the top.