At the bottom of my garden there lies a tranquil scene
A carpet of daffodils and a gentle babbling stream
But from my house you’d never know this paradise was there
For in between a Mighty Oak spread branches everywhere
I reflected on last summer when my neighbours soaked up sun
Of how I had to sit in shade and stayed all pale and wan
So I took the brave decision, and firmly stood my ground
With chainsaw and with spirit, planned to cut the branches down
I scaled the offending giant to where the thinnest branches lay,
Whistling as I climbed each limb, “I’m a lumberjack, I’m OK”
But the Mighty Oak it trembled as my chainsaw roared like thunder
My neighbours could not help but watch and gazed in awe and wonder
But soon darkness descended, it began to look like rain
The thunder rumbled quietly but all was not in vain
I battled on; my neighbours knew that it was no joke
I now was more determined to fell this Mighty Oak
But when the heavens opened I thought my fate was sealed
My neighbours fled for cover but still I would not yielded
I lashed myself to the strongest bough, I really felt quite sick
I knew how Captain Ahab felt when fighting Moby Dick
The Mighty Oak rocked back and forth but still she did not wilt
Her roots were strong and claimed the soil before my house was built
A sudden crack of lightning and a deafening crash of thunder
Was this divine intervention? It really made me wonder
With legs akimbo and soaking wet I fought to take the lead
The crowd all gasped and began to cheer at my heroic deed
The Mighty Oak submitted her ground and yielded with a murmur
I knew that victory now was mine and leapt to terra firma
My neighbours gathered round me, congratulations were in store
When from the crowd a man appeared I had not seen before
His look was stern, he did not smile, I thought that I would choke
He said “A preservation order protects this “Mighty Oak!”
I looked aghast, my heart sank fast; I knew not what to say
He said, “You broke the law my friend” and led me swiftly away
Within a year the Mighty Oak her full height had reclaimed
And risen with majestic height like a phoenix from the flame
P.S. Anyone want to buy any logs???...
©Lynn Cowman