The Old Ones March 2, 2010
winter takes the old ones
away
three hundred years ago
acorn pushed leaflets toward warmth
trunk rose
bidden towards beckoning sun
tree sighed at tickle of squirrel feet
leaves myriad
watched generations be born age die
ancient oak
shudders bends topples
in late winter gale
winter takes the old ones
away
almost thirty years ago
foal blinked in prime light
raced first his dam
then bowed in grace
to saddle bridle rider
became melded with man
eased journeys
entered into games diverse
then body failing
breathes last breath
early on winter morn
winter takes the old ones
away
toddler singing with abandon
teen confused by awareness
grown into woman questing
insistent her slowing body
will not fail
comes winter’s first tempest
heart slows
eyes dim
limbs refuse to listen
whispering toddler song
cradling memories
child woman is gone
winter takes the old ones
away
except
except for their haunting songs