Stories of Leaf and of Tree
dc riggs copyright 2009
all rights reserved
From the vastness of the earth
there grew a tree
trunk and branches
reaching up, reaching out
above the massive sod
to touch it seems the face of God.
The leaves they grew on high
life throbbed in each one
giving shade
to animals and man
and to the birds a home
when wings did not want to roam.
I saw as with the eyes of a child
the awesomeness
of the tree
but knew that each leaf
had its own special-ness
that each day my life it did bless.
One fell, spiraled to the ground
I witnessed the flight
in the days ahead I watched
as it slowly did die
and my tiny mind thought
you’d rather go up for another flight.
I grew beyond my childlike mind
still seeing as a youth
having learned I am as a leaf
created, grown, on humanity’s tree
but as the leaf returned to sod
in my time, I will return to my God.
Thank you Father, my loving Creator
for I long ago did place
my hand in Yours
with Christ life is an adventure
my faith is the answer to death’s test
for in You, I have all my joy and my rest.
dc riggs © 013009
The tree was once a sapling
young and lean
growing among other trees
dreaming if such do
of what it would become
wondering “what is life’s sum?”
It grew tall ever stretching
branches to scrap
the blue sky
life was full forever
from it was not heard a sigh
nor even a woeful cry.
Disease and storm did come
it weathered each one
dormant, resting in winter’s cold
vibrant in spring
leafy and giving summer’s shade
for a tree, it had it made.
But in aging its leafiness did pass
disease took a toll
but in the end it is stately still
a reminder of who it was
but still very much a strong “I Am”
life is rich, real, not a sham.
My life is much like the tree
vibrant in youth
needed much in my maturity
but as my leaves fade
I return to God, the tree to its soil
my joy in living, even death cannot foil.
dc riggs © 013109
Poem: Story of the Leaf
dc riggs pen and ink 8x11 © 013109
Poem: Story of the Old Tree
dc riggs pen and ink 8x11 © 013109
