Stood tall and strong and proud they had

been with him though each year

become akin to family,

through plough and drill and shear

sheltered and protected him

held off weather's assails

comforted him at times of rest

guided his hard travails

As friends, they kept their counsel closed

whilst provoking contemplation

they stripped him as they too laid bare

exposing all creation.

He'd grown with them each season through

now as they bowed he stooped

their sturdy limbs had tested time

while his now sagged and drooped

and as his aged frame stood by

he saw the signs that tell

that they too soon would end their time

oh yes he knew those well.

There since a spindle boy had held

the reins straight after class.

With all whom he had worked before

as centuries had passed.

He looked up as his heart sank down

a tear formed in his eye

their end would swiftly come that day

but how was he to die.

And as he walked a memory lost

he could not stop nor round

cut through the frosty air he heard

old friends crash to the ground.