It's only early Autumn,
but a sudden chill hits me...
another leaf has fallen
from off the family tree.

You wouldn't think to see it now,
It looks so frail and small,
but it seems like only yesterday
It stood so proud and tall.

And I played among its branches.
I stood upon her roots.
She offered shelter from the rain.
I grew strong on her fruit.

Lord, My God, it breaks my heart
to see her standing there...
barely clinging to the ground.
Her limbs so bowed and bare.

So many leaves have fallen.
So many others have turned brown.
The cold wind through her branches
makes a mournful,lonesome sound.

She's split and scarred
Bent,but hard
She shows the signs of shock.
But,her tap root is long,
deep and strong
and anchored on a rock.

Things are not always as they seem,
for the Wheel of Life spins 'round.
There are alot of little acorns
clinging to the ground.

The old tree's spreading branches
still offer shelter from the winds.
I find comfort in the knowing,
that nothing truly ends.

Every leaf that ever fell...
offers life down here below.
From the warmth and strength
that they provide...
A New tree begins to grow.

Some will play among its branches,
Some will stand upon her roots.
She'll offer shelter from the rain.
They'll grow strong on her fruit.

And with the passing of the ages,
when she shows the signs of shock...
they'll find the tap root long,
deep and strong
and anchored on a Rock.

***