beyond the kitchen pane,
the aged maple still stands true,
stark against winters faded shades,
leaves that once bloomed vibrant in spring
that filtered conversation of friends and family,
the tree caught in the image
of life's long memories,
where youth found shade
against the heat of the day,
where leaves and limbs held strong
from the ravages of storms,
where birds found refuge and sang
between flights to the feeder,
where grandchildren created
a jungle-gym of the solid branches,
the tree like the man
that once planted it,
was flexibly solid
strong with a gentle touch
protective and patient
the world to a few
and an influence to many,
as the tree weeps
with the touches of winter
so does the soul
for the man has gone
to be with the Father,
a hello and love from above
found in a cardinal's resting
intertwined in the branches
a vibrant reminder
that love always remains.
