Permanently Altered Family Tree
Life's unexpected winds of tragedy blew,
Permanently altering our family tree
Leaving the limbs aching and feeling hollow
And cold frozen in pain, unable to sway
In the warm summer breeze
Or to the notes of the birds sweet song.
The lightning struck
And the limb fell helplessly to the ground
The tree's no longer a part of the forest
It is more difficult and deformed than the other's around
As they are complete with their limbs.
Then out of the clouds a halo appears
Bringing forth a feeling and sense of warmth
Helping the tree to quiet it's tears
And to deal with it's weakness and loss.
A home is built with the skin of the limb
And with time and care the tree will heal
Soon the bird's sweet song is heard again
And the loss helps the bird to live.
As Spring comes the tree still blooms
Although the lost limb still leaves a hole
The bird still lives and plays it's tunes
And the halo watches overhead.
Marilla Mulwane
