Testament to the Old Bur Oak

In 1984, I lived near the banks of the Little Calumet River in South Holland, Ill. I used to take walks in the old fields on my way to the river and always admired a huge old bur oak tree that stood proud and alone. One day the tree was gone. It was taken!

Tearfully, I took a piece from the many pieces on the ground and I stitched a "testament" to my old friend. Today, 34 years later, that tree and testament still hang proudly on my wall.

                  Here I stood strong and tall since 1860
                  120 years I stretched my arms to the sun
                  my corky bark protected me from the fires
                  long gone...
                  On this prairie
                  long gone...
                  Many saw me, used me
                  some knew and loved me;
                  but one has heard my message
                  and here I remain...

                  Remembered forever.