Elm Tree

Elm Tree,
You were so majestic,
And you lived here in Warwick so long.
I wish I could talk with you.

You see, I am new in Warwick.
I would have liked to ask you to tell me what you knew.

Did you know who planted you?
Who took care of you and protected you when you were little?
When you were a young tree, who walked by?
As you grew who did you see and what did you hear?
Did energetic children climb your strong arms?
Did young lovers kiss and carve their initials in your bark?
Did anyone sit and enjoy a book under your protective canopy?
Did busy families rest in your shade from the hot summer sun?
Did anyone take your picture?

Elm Tree,
I wish you could answer me.
You could tell me about the people of Warwick who have come before me.
You could tell me about this community,
This community I am learning to love,
Warwick, my new home.

--Nancy Taylor