Roses

David Olney
from the album Roses © 1991

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lightning spoke to the wind
the devil's in me today my friend
do you see that old oak tree down yonder
blow like hell and bring down thunder
and when your raging's thru
I'll cut that oak in two

the wind began to moan
the old oak tree began to groan
thunder raged like hell's own daughter
the air was filled with fire and water
laughing viciously
lightning struck that tree

the old oak tree began to shudder
but he held his ground like some old soldier
his ancient pride was burned and shaken
but something deep inside did waken
he raised his limbs just like Moses
and blossomed roses

the sky is clear, the air is clean
the earth is brown, the forest green
the ancient oak, he still is standing
with strength that passes understanding
like dreams a noble mind composes
he blossoms roses

--

Mark says: To me this is an allegory about the beauty
we can choose to develop despite the pain we experience
in our lives.