I will burrow deeply ,

entrenching my roots far beneath

the earth.

They will draw goodness and

nurture from that of God's own

creation.

Sturdy, and with staying power

for the howling winds and pounding

torrents that will come.

As the towering sycamore or the

broad oak sentinel,

I will make my trunk to be

weathered and conditioned.

Standing as tall as I may grow,

a guard to any beneath me or

behind me;

a welcome support to those

who may lean upon me now

and then.

I will stretch forth my limbs

to reach as far into the sky

as fathomable.

My branches may spread out

widely like an umbrella.

Many will find shelter with me;

I will give shade and let

through dappled and gentle light.

Some may clamber over my

branches,

and have a little fun.

Some may come to trim me or

chop me down,

or carve parts of me away.

But I will drink up the rain

with gladness;

Soak up the warm sun in stillness.

I shall grow new bark and limbs.

I will breathe and exist between

earth and people and heavens-

no matter I may look battered,

or many may not have use

for me.

I can be a beautiful conduit

to life,just as God planted

and grew me.

And though the storms may blow

upon me,

or the winds playfully wrestle

me,

you may yet hear my whispering

laughter above it all.

Wendy Parrish Davidson 2007