19. Fallen Tree

O mammoth trunk,

To earth you’ve sunk,

Your roots flung in the air;

Your leafy crown

In weeds brought down

To lie neglected there.

 

What heavy blow

Thus brought you low

In such a sorry state?

Did tempest lash

Or lightning flash

Topple you, once so great?

 

You that were proud

To brush each cloud

Aloft in summer sky,

You who were brave

Now in your grave

Amouldering will lie.

 

And they who feared

To climb you, reared

On high so straight and tall,

Now sit astride

Your humbled pride,

And through your branches crawl.