There’s a gnarled, old, oak tree,
All wrinkled with age.
It’s seen the warm sunlight,
And the cold winter’s rage.
It’s been home to young families,
Both below and on top.
The wind’s song in its branches,
Will not ever stop.
Its branches are worn deep,
By the ropes of an old swing,
As it stands there so strong,
And hears the songs the kids sing.
I see it there always,
Both at day and at night.
Leaves rustle in the darkness,
Branches spread at first light.
It’s been there forever,
And forever will stay.
The gnarled, old, oak tree,
That helps brighten my day.
James M. Garrett has lived in Benicia his entire life, having graduated from Benicia High School in 1961. He retired after a 27-year career of teaching at BHS in 2000. He is the author of “One Great Season 9-0!,” “Benicia and Letters of Love,” “The Mansion Stories,” and the compiler of “The Golden Era,” a history of Benicia High School football from the 1948 through 1960 seasons. Contact him at Jgstoriesnpoetry@aol.com.
Do you have insightful, topical or just all around creative poetry that you’d like to share with the Benicia community? Submit your poems to beniciaherald@gmail.com, and they may be published in Friday’s Poetry Corner and possibly online at BeniciaHeraldOnline.com. All ages are welcome to contribute, but the content must be appropriate. You do not need to be a resident of Benicia to submit your poem.
Sharing is caring!
thank you Jim – for everything you’ve shared in your memories of Benicia and your life. For the record, there was a time when the children here didn’t wish to stay. Now, they want to come back and be , here. People like Jim have made that difference.
great comment Reg
Reg and Bob, thank you for your kindness and words.