Rings Of Time

 
A young sapling asked of a near by tree,
“What was it the first seedlings saw?”
“Before they were the forest rulers,
Before they grew so mighty and tall.”
The young tree was aware that the oaken giant
Lived not in that time long ago.
His rings of age gave no hint or clue,
This only the stones could know.
More fable than truth the story was told,
Carried on the winds whispering breeze.
Told and retold while coloring the facts,
Reciting the tale from tree to tree.
“In those young years, the new world was,
As pure as a child’s dream.
The billowing clouds filled a bluer sky,
Earth and air was fresh and clean.
Dancing among the green leafy sprigs,
And making the new woods there home.
Were winged children, who nurtured the new,
Till all had fully grown.”
The tiny tree then asked, “Where had they gone?”
“I’ve never seen such things.”
“How wonderful to have such woodland care takers,
These children adorned with wings.”
Sadly the old tree shook his branches
As he told the tales final part.
“They passed to beyond,” he said with shedding leaves
Brought on by a heavy heart.
“Curiosity took hold within there wild spirit
One by one each went away.”
“Was it better ware they went?” The tiny tree asked,
“Is that why they didn’t stay?”
The giant then said, “Their fate was sealed
For they were innocent right to the core.”
“When they learned of the world, there innocence was gone,
And they too for ever more.”
On the path to maturity some things are gained
While others as important are lost.
Be careful what you trade, for that which you seek,
May not be it’s final cost.