The Bequest (Enhanced)

The Bequest (Enhanced)

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Time lay upon him like a shroud
as he bent working in the earth.
Though years pressed down, he was unbowed;
his eyes glowed with a hidden mirth.

Time weathered hands moved with love's care
as he set out the fledgling tree.
His head was bowed, as if in prayer,
yet he moved with a certainty.

He dug within the hallowed ground
and gently placed the tree's roots in.
He pulled the earth into a mound.
"This is how the earth will win."

His grandson looked, as if to say,
that this all seemed a mystery.
"This is more than just Earth Day;
it's rooted in our history."

I watched him struggle to arise,
from where he knelt upon the soil.
An inner strength shone in his eyes
as he rested from his toil.

He took his grandson by the hand
and, in the small copse, patiently,
explained that each tree in the stand
had been planted by his family.

As they stood, in shadows framed,
he named each with veneration
'til only one was left unnamed
to honor the next generation.

"This is a statement of belief,
though I will never see it grow,
that we can give the earth relief.
This is the gift that I bestow."

The child began to smile, at last,
as understanding replaced sorrow.
This was his future, not his past.
The name he chose: Hope For Tomorrow.



Notes
An entry for "COLORING THE WORLD CONTEST TEMP. CLOSED "  [E]
Prompt: Write an Earth Day poem; include the words "Earth Day."
Limit: No limit
Word Count: 236

Thank you for taking time to read my words. I would appreciate it if you took a moment and left a comment. Your reaction, impressions, criticisms, - yes, even praise - are all equally welcome.

Ken