The Swamp Cypress Poem by Bill Cantrell

Once we dwelled in Lebanon amongst our brothers
We were worshiped by many for our beauty
Some of us began to mock the juniper and olive trees
We would greedily drink the waters even absorbing the dew,
before beast could lick or flowers could drink
Then we were cursed by the keepers of the green
Exiles of arrogance, we were placed on the other side,
condemned to constantly drink until we detested the taste of it
Now we dwell in black and green waters,
We lift our knees to no avail, there is no escape
Some days we gaze at our own reflections,
as spanish moss hangs on our limbs, we indeed have been humbled.
We shall never be the trees of Lebanon again, yet in our discipline,
all are now content with our lot in life