Sentinels of Earthly Time

Since the Genesis times

Even before Man was created in His likeness

God placed His mighty sentinels together in forests

So like Him as they take root in mother earth

Drawing nourishment from their receptive roots

They reach upward as unto heaven

Branching outward with gentle but powerful arms

Silent witnesses to change

They have witnessed the seasons of nature and of man

Stoic in their powerful presence

Stable in times of turmoil and change

Solid in their strength against all that threatens

From the elements of nature and man

Safe harbor to all living things within their branches

Outstretched to embrace all in their reach

Catching the gift of light like grace in their leafy arms

Working closely with each other to nurture all below

Providing a living place in their arms while alive

And living on in their beautiful grain after death

Shady shelters from the harm of life’s tempting heat

Giving comfort, solace and hope to all beneath

Leafy, fragile parts of their life dying and renewing again

As each season brings forth change and renewal

Their ring upon ring of life’s experiences teach us well

As we see and learn the unfolding of His wondrous plan

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