The Walnut Tree

As I passed my wicket fence The ageing walnut tree, Showered me with withered leaves And said something to me; That it stood since ages past But I had never seen, Crimson light upon its leaves Thus how twilight had been; I glimpsed not the sparrow's nest That lay upon its bough, Few spotted eggs closeted Though which the night winds plough; Neither I the twitter sweet That morning brought with it, Nor did I the moon savour And how the stars were lit; Felt no spring nor summer heat Hues autumn ever passed, Soft snow upon its branches Know how sweet nuts amassed; Had I known the squirrel small That in its hollow stayed, A smile would cross my dried lips Under its dappled shade; It said I need pause beneath It gnarled and shrunken stem, Inhale a puff of fresh air And lightly say ahem; I could not make much of this Until it whispered soft, It knew the angel of death Who paid a visit oft; The angel had confided Of men whose days were few, My name too she uttered Something I never knew; The wisely tree then advised - That I take heed of days, See the world with different eyes And change my baffled ways; Knowing soon my time would lapse I now bask in the sun, Glimpse the trees and hark the sounds That I had never done; Strange I find some precious time To kiss the balmy air, Immerse myself with loved ones Indulge in that I care; Late I am for having missed The best life had to give, Sadly spent my living days Not knowing how to live. ***********