THE OLD OAK’S REVERIE.

I’ve stood and fought for centuries past The storms of wind which beat, And hurled their fury on my head, But could not me defeat. Though generations have passed on, And gone to their last rest. I’ve stood the ravages of time, Have ever borne the test Of summer’s heat, of winter’s cold, And lightning’s scorching blast. Unconquered been in nature’s fight, As if of iron cast. Sometimes when storms beat on my head, I little cared for life; I would have giv’n the battle up, With all its fierce, fierce strife. But then again I felt life’s love Go coursing through my veins, And then I felt impelled to say I’m thankful that God reigns. Long years ago,—I count them not, A child on hillside stopped. His pockets filled with acorns ripe, And one of them he dropped. I soon sprang up from out the earth, With life and hope so strong. I took my place, have kept it too Through all these centuries long. For many years the birds have built Their nests beneath my boughs, Have sung their love songs through the days, Each day renewed their vows. I learned their love songs I am sure, I shared their joy and pride; When lover brought to his old home His sweetheart, his bird bride. I’m lonely e’er when they depart To fairer, warmer lands. Impatiently await the time When Love again demands Their secret nesting ’mong my boughs.— Again I’ll hear Love’s call; Will hear their marriage vows renewed. For Love e’en birds enthrall.