A Friend So True Poem by Juan Olivarez

So many years ago it was,
When I was a young man.
I planted a Live Oak in my backyard,
Amidst the valley clay and sand.

And I watched it growing, tall and strong,
With my children by it's side.
With Spanish Moss on all it's limbs,
It grew so strong and wide.

And then in my life there came a time,
I had to move away.
And headed off to the Golden West,
That's where my future lay.

The days and months passed slowly by,
And finally one night in June.
I got to see my tree again,
Framed in the sky in the full moon.

When morning came, I went outside,
To talk to my old friend.
And my emotions I couldn't hide,
I no longer could pretend.

He seemed to smile and gently swayed,
And whispered in my ears.
I've missed you too, more than you know,
As I wiped away my tears.

Look at my branches, He whispered low,
And look at all these guests.
Look carefully inside my limbs,
And you'll see I'm full of nests.

Thirty years ago you brought me home,
And patiently I've waited here.
And I've never really been alone,
So please let me dry your tears.

Sit in my shade and talk to me,
About all the things you've seen.
And it will be just like old times,
When we were young my friend.

2/10/11 Alton Texas