Picture and a Poem

Photo found on Flickr-Creative Commons

Hello old friend, my rising gum tree

your eyes look tired, don't you remember me?

I've grown quite a bit since the days of my youth

And you've grown just as much, only time tells such truth...

I see you have scratches where my hands used to lay

and you give no more shade to the grounds we used to play

My friend, is that a hole? A hole gaping near your roots

Your bark looks like the ash that clings to my boots

Have you been battered, my dear friend, by the winds of spring?

Where are your branches upon which blue birds used to sing?

You feel hollow, dear fellow, have they taken all your heart?

You look splintered and sharden, your skin, it breaks apart.

I'm listening for your heart beat, but no beat reaches to my palm

My memories of you are joyous, yet now my mind is solemn

I'm sorry I let them break you, you were always so good to me

When I wanted shelter, a branch to swing, you were my favorite tree

You followed my tiny feet with each imaginary game

But I left you to this nasty world that made you dry and lame

Come back to me, old friend of mine, and although I can no longer play

I wish I could bring back your life that brightened up my every day.

I'll stay here slumped up against your withering base

I'll let the summer sun wreak havoc on my face

My dear old gum tree, I hope you found peace upon your time of rest

Because of my friends, each gum tree tends to always be my best.

Photo found on Flickr: Creative Commons

My lady, Roseann
Where have you gone off to tonight?
You left your pearl earrings under the glow of the lamp light.
My lady, Roseann
Your head is full of dreams
Come down, you silly woman, Hollywood is nothing like it seems
Roseann, my dear Roseann
Why must you chase the stars?
Don't you know each constellation can only take you so far
Roseann, my sweet Roseann
Can you not hear your husband's plea?
Come home into my loving arms, no one will love you quite like me
Roseann, my dearest Roseann
I beg you to open your emerald eyes
Don't believe what those papers and their glittering, golden lies
Roseann, my lady Roseann
You are not safe among the men of those streets
Know that no one will love you quite like I, no matter who you meet.
Roseann, I love you, Roseann
Come home and let us grow old
Because in a city where lights always shimmer, all that glimmers isn't gold.