FAREWELL, TOWERING TREE

Once upon a time a tree

Stood here, a landmark all could see

Down Bondi Road you’d see it far

Towering over bike and car

 

Birds flew in and sang their song

They gathered here, they came to throng

They marked the morning and the eve

And now it’s time for us to grieve

 

Trees don’t walk, don’t run around

Nor shout or whisper, not a sound

They show us simply how to be

Fixed right here and also free

 

It lived through time and sought no gain

Through drought then smoke and pelting rain

Then gently fell one dark wet night

Across the road – such a sight!

 

Now’s the time to say goodbye

We turn our heads and see the sky

We thank you tree, for beauty fair

You gave us shade and cool fresh air

 

Kit Shepherd, Transition Bondi, March 2020