A tree is one of nature’s gifts
No matter where it grows,
On lawn or in the forest scene,
Its beauty always shows.
With no concern for seasons,
In winter, spring or fall,
Or when the climate changes,
Or when the wind is raw.
With beauty in the breaking spring,
As winter fades away.
The warm breeze freshens foliage,
The green is here to stay.
With summer comes the colors;
The greens can vary too.
While summer sun is warming,
And growth is through and through.
And all the trees are due to change,
As growth gives way to rest.
With evening comes the coolness.
The sun sets in the west.
The passing days, we count them,
Watching for fall to come,
The leaves perform a cycle
As colors flash in sun.
The reds and yellows rustle now
With breezes passing by.
Finally, theirs is flutter time,
Released, they fall, they die.
The brown leaves sing, its play time,
As children pile the leaves,
And jump and roll in pilings,
Then walking on their knees.
A tree doth many treasures hold
To share with humankind
As blooms bring flowers and apples,
Or cones, that grace the pines.
Some give themselves for lumber,
While many bring us shade,
And some stretch limbs for swinging,
From other, tools are made.
Now this tree has a purpose too,
Replacing one before,
To grace this lawn with beauty,
To warm hearts, and there’s more.
To help remember Martha
Our mother and our friend,
This Blue Spruce will enrich us,
With peace that never ends.
The branches are so vigorous,
Now born of tender care.
Its shape so nearly perfect,
This tree has love to share.
Its life today is starting
With beauty fresh and new,
To grow right hear among us
For many years, so true.
(May 2004)
(Note: This poem was written for the purpose of assisting in celebrating the life of Martha Elizabeth (Chapman) Bidlack through the planting of a Colorado Blue Spruce tree on the Hal Bidlack lawn in Colorado Springs, CO on 10/28/04.)