Larry Garland

Lone Cedar

That winter when we cleared the wood beyond the barn
I asked if we could leave that cedar tree.
It bore a nest abandoned by its builder.

You laid aside your saw,looked down at me and said,
“They won’t be back next spring, you know.
Birds soon learn to fly and leave the nest for good.”

Now I know that you were right,
And yet,you let it stand for me.
I wonder, Dad, does it stand there still?
I’ve not been home to see.