Lady Cottonwood Poem by Ron Pate

              Lady Cottonwood

    For five years I looked upon a nearby cottonwood tree, just outside of my confines on my spire in the sky.    I once questioned her relevance within my domain, asking of her value set forth upon me.  Tonight an understanding of her value befalls my thoughts.     I watched as she gave life to leaves of green in the early spring, and as she drank of the pre-morning dew.  Many nights I stood and stared as the wind blew through her, standing steadfast and lady cottonwood prevailed.  An accurate thermometer of such,  I could always tell when fall was near as her leaves discolored and fell slowly to earth.  
  A simple lady, gently swaying in sporadic breezes only requesting of warmth and rain's moist touch. Was this to much?   Lost today by unknowing men of her immense worth, wielding unforgiving axes producing terminal cut.
   I gaze out my window,   peering at an emptiness where you once stood.  
I miss you Lady Cottonwood, you meant so much.  
   

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