The tree is probably much older

than the neighborhood around it

A sage of the community

from all it has witnessed

 

It began life long before property lines,

homes and city codes were in place

Modern contrivances unheeded

by the tall and dignified resident

 

But what strikes me as well

is the fence, shared by both homes,

and the boards that were specially fitted

to accommodate the large and spreading base

of this sprawling, bark covered inhabitant

 

And I see in this spectacle

embracing tolerance and understanding

a reminder of the better parts of us