LAY ME DOWN GENTLY

When a mighty oak tree is born
Does the forest rejoice
It will grow through the worst of all
Imaginable conditions alone
But it will grow and as it does it will be
ravaged by the elements or
ignored.But it will also be loved,sought
for refuge.Called home or offer rest.
It will provide shelter,comfort,shade.
All of these things it will do until
it is mighty and old.When it has
reached for the sky as high as it can
and spread its branches as far out as
it can.And perhaps out lived all of its
surroundings so that none are left of those
that saw it from its beginning.It will crash to 
The ground violently breaking and smashing
Anything in its path including itself. Taking
with it anything or anyone who is near.
And it will lay down with terror and thunder
I have tried to be all of these things that
The mighty oak is But if I may ask Lord
If I have reached to the sky as high as I can
And spread my arms as wide as I could.If I have
out lived those who were there from my
Beginning.If my strength is gone and my
Branches are crooked and bently I ask oh Lord
Please lay me down gently