Broken Old Tree

Broken Old Tree
Broken old Tree, your wisdom does run wild; I felt your shelter as a child
Broken old tree, for thousands of years, have you stood, no friends, no family, no cottonwood
Broken old tree, under which many have sat, Knobble's, Peasants, all without a hat
Broken old tree, Protected many from doom, Thieves, saints, robbers and bankers all did loom
Broken old tree, Many of your broken branches lay, Kings,Queens,Young Lovers and Madmen, all had their say,
Broken old tree, sitting alone in the yard, speaking to no one, the outer you so hard
Broken old tree, under which weapons of war were made, the spear, Arrow and razor blade
Broken old tree, under which so many have laid, Countless customs and laws were made
Broken old tree, you've taken lots of sun, Watching countless thieves and politician's all on the run
Broken old tree, you're naked from bottom to top, you witnessed many armies last desperate stop
Broken old tree, made of such strong wood, under which Big oil made deals with criminals, all understood
Broken old tree, your bark has been torn, Young lovers with babies, both unborn
Broken old tree, I see one last branch, is this a sign of one last chance
Broken old tree, I see there are others moving in, Please don't worry, what you've seen and heard is not a sin
Broken old tree, The IS Soldiers are moving on, with them they took your apples, now gone
Broken old tree, the light is growing dim, would you share one last secret if I climb your limb
Broken old tree, this graveyard that surrounds us is bleak of sound, Help me dear old friend till my feet touch the ground
Broken old tree, my time has run out, in mind and spirit, we are together, no doubt.

Erik Hopp
ZhenZhen-China
2007