Like a Strong Oak - Poem
For my children
My children are the testimony of my life and the reason I have been able to rise above the ashes and soar again . As a mother I have loved and nurtured them, taught them and gave to them all I had to give.
When the time came, as difficult as it was, I watched them set sail on their own voyage of life, knowing each one has their own path to follow and their own dreams to fulfill.
Some of my poems are little snippets of their lives, moments in time that have warmed my heart or, as is the case of Like a Strong Oak, a celebration of what they have become.
Like a Strong Oak
Other Kaleidoscope Poetry
- Spring Morning
The sun shines bright But the cool of the night Still clings to the morning air The rustle of leaves Signals a breeze That chills my bones standing there The... - Little Lilly, Ladybug - Poem
This little poem is about my dear great niece Lilly. Her sweet smile melted my heart the first time I saw her. Perhaps, after reading these words, she will melt your heart too. - Little Mouse
My children are the testimony of my life and the reason I have been able to rise above the ashes and soar again . As a mother I have loved and nurtured them, taught them and gave to them all I had to... - Timmy the Frog
My children are the testimony of my life and the reason I have been able to rise above the ashes and soar again . As a mother I have loved and nurtured them, taught them and gave to them all I had to...
To My Daughter
Like a strong oak, her head held high
In the midst of a field she stands
Sturdy and strong, her roots dug deep
Her branches like arms, her leaves are like hands
In the searing sun she provides the cool shade
When it rains she covers all things below
When the wind howls and pushes hard
She steadies herself and her arms bend low
She takes what she gets whenever she can
A rain shower provides a cool drink
A warm summer’s day and a soft gentle breeze
Give her a moment to rest and to think
The birds come to stay in the crook of her arms
For their young they will build a strong nest
Knowing that when a breeze hurries by
Her branches will stand up to the test
She bears her seed and offers them all
To the squirrels, the chipmunk and the deer
Giving them food to stow safely away
And keep them well fed for the year
She eagerly bows low a strong heavy branch
For the children who come to play
They’ll climb up her trunk or tie on a swing
To idle the summer away
When the children are gone and fall comes along
Her leaves will wither and turn
And after they fall all over the ground
They will be gathered and burned
Through the bleak winter days
She’ll stand bare in the field, covered with frost and snow
Her thin branches are grey as she waits for the day
When the warmth of the sun will glow
One morning it comes, the first breath of the spring
As the sun sets itself in the sky
She stretches her branches and uncurls her new leaves
As the birds set off to fly
And once again she’ll offer herself to the creatures all around
As shade from the sun, a place for some fun or a home where the birds can nest.
And she’ll know in her heart and feel warm to her core
That she’s given her very best.
To my daughter Heather,
You shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season
Whose leaf shall not wither;
And whatever you do shall prosper
Psalm 1:3
