By the roadway I stand alone, just an old garry oak tree,

to the elements I’m prone, have no others to support me…

I stand a loney tree, all my family have gone,

why did this have to be, what did they do wrong…

We gave shelter to the beasts, from the largest to the least,

homes for the birds, and fodder for some herds…

The winds played with us, in seasons our colors changed,

we filtered the air of dust, we were well arranged…

Gave cover for the soil, where the little ones did toil,

and when the days were long, applauded the birds of song…

My family stood tall, the great and the small,

to the axe they did fall, the destruction was for all…

What the axe left behind, the fire soon destroyed,

the ploughmans blade did shine, our home became a void…

I was only a sapling at the time, dont know how I survived,

it was a terrible crime, I remembered how I cried…

I grew over the years, and no matter how I tried,

I still carry many fears, and my tears never dried…

Have seen many sights, slavery were sad times

saw many hangings from my heights, again some bad crimes…

Seen some good things too, children’s sweet sounds of laughter,

loved their voices so true, as they climbed among my branches…

young lovers carving hearts, and their initials into my bark,

heard promises never to part, heard other sounds after dark,

Against me travellers do pee, passing dogs do the same,

they veiw it as watering a tree, and they feel no shame…

So when I’m long gone, will become just another log,

you will here only one song, the lament of the traveler and dog………..end