There Was A Tree
By Susan Vaughan Shumake
May 11, 2020
*****
There was a tree
stick like and small.
This little tree
stood seven feet tall.
From a far look
it seemed to be
adorned with berries
and healthy green leaves.
But something about
that tree gave a call.
At second glance
it had no leaves at all.
All by itself
it was empty and gray.
No life of its’ own,
no future to say.
But there was a vine,
one scarcely could see
wrapping itself
up the trunk of the tree.
Invisibly climbing
around and around,
giving support
so it wouldn’t fall down.
Up near the top,
the vine grew its leaves,
covering gently
the top of this tree-
protecting its frailty,
hiding its shame,
sharing it’s own life,
withstanding the rain.
And dangling sweetly
from this tender vine
was the reason this tree
first caught my eye.
Berries of scarlet
draped elegantly,
providing the beauty
for others to see.
The life of the vine
Is the strength for this tree.
All by itself
it stands desperately.
The love of a Father
comes at a great cost-
to care for the needs
of a child who is lost.
There was a tree
stick like and small…
*****
