“The Mighty Guardian”

Hadley
First Baptist Christian Academy
Lincoln County, Missouri

The mighty oak tree stands
straight and tall in his forest home.

His leafy arms outstretch
to soak the sun's warmth and energy.

He thirstily drinks
the nourishment of rainwater punch.

Like a loving father, he cradles the small creatures
that have come for a short visit.

He listens to the forest symphony, the whispers from the wind,
and the sounds of danger.

The storms rush in. The two-legged hunters invade the forest.
The guardian oak moans his warning and bends to protect his forest animals.

The mighty oak watches with pride and amazement as the seasons come and go––
the cycle of life renews the forest.

Through it all, the venerable oak stands
as sentinel and mighty guardian of his forest home.