The Great Tree

O Mighty Elm,
blown by wind, pummeled by rain,
yet steadfast, enduring,
staying the course, keeping your
promise of protection to all us
creatures down below.
The tree knows what her work is.

O to be a mighty Elm,
with great roots sunk deep,
down and down,
with a beautiful green mane,
squirrels scampering across my limbs,
and birds in my hair, serenading me.

Lord, please show me my work and
let me be constant in my duty
as the great tree is.

--Mary Jean Nixon