The Old Oak Poem by Angela Wybrow

I’ve stood in this park,
In sunshine and dark,
For two hundred years,
But now I’m in tears,
For they’re cutting me down
And toppling my crown.
I’ve seen young lovers kiss:
Shared their moment of bliss.
I’ve seen young children grow;
Families come and they go.
I’ve seen families munch
On a nice picnic lunch.
I’ve served as a hiding place,
And seen young children race.
My shady shadow has been sought:
Relief from the sun, I have brought.
I’ve changed my coat many a time.
Heard the church bells gaily chime.
Carved on my bark are initials and hearts:
These will go with me, when I depart.
Through the years, I’ve seen it all:
So many memories, I can recall.
My dying day, I am so dreading:
Me, the workmen will soon be shredding.
The teeth of the saw will bite my bark
Like the jagged teeth of a killer shark.
I don’t want to die:
I just want to cry.
But the world will go on
Long after I’ve gone.
For two centuries, I’ve stood:
I would stay, if I could.
But it seems my fate has been sealed,
And, very soon, I’m to be killed.
Deep in my throat, I get a large lump,
Knowing that soon, I’ll be a mere stump.