The gnarly old tree
stands proudly alone
like some wrinkled farmer
surveying his fine homestead,
treasuring years of memories.
Refusing to retire but
rich with rings of aged wood,
his trunk is twisted by time
and branches pruned by the
storms of life experiences.
His rough-skinned charm is
a shelter for nesting birds and
a shady place for summer picnics
under the faithful silhouette of
this wisened, peaceful patriarch.
a poem in my pocket 
Jan 20, 2014 @ 17:22:21
Lovely affectionate words of a tree friend.
Anna :o]
Jan 20, 2014 @ 00:41:58
Just discovered your post off dVerse, and sitting under this tree reading your poems, made for an enjoyable day.
Jan 22, 2014 @ 03:02:47
Your comment made my day…thank you for taking time to read my poems.
Jan 19, 2014 @ 17:10:54
Great use of words.
Ciao
Pea
Jan 19, 2014 @ 10:22:01
Yes, pruned by stormy experience. Lovely line.
Jan 19, 2014 @ 08:29:28
ha nice… i love the rough-skinned charm and how he is a shelter for birds and love the faithful silhouette as well… there surely is comfort in those old life-battered tree that have seen and lived through so much..
Jan 22, 2014 @ 03:07:41
I appreciate your words, Claudia!
Jan 19, 2014 @ 06:36:36
…aging positively & inspiring everyday… i loved it… smiles…
Jan 22, 2014 @ 03:03:55
thank you! smiles…
Jan 19, 2014 @ 06:11:50
old trees — beautiful.. and the metaphor of an old farmer.. still full of strenght despite his gnarled look… wonderful to read 🙂
Jan 22, 2014 @ 03:05:21
Thank you for your kind comment, Bjorn 🙂
Jan 19, 2014 @ 05:12:52
I liked this, mine was along similar lines.