Poems: Lola's Legacy

I still am close to them but in another form. We were together for three short years, they adopted me from my former owner who got divorced and could not take care of me anymore. I love my family, especially the little boy, Marat, who used to rest his head on my back while I lay on the floor. We cannot snuggle anymore but I still hear him when he comes into the yard and tells his mommy: “that’s Lola’s tree.” I have a different cycle now. I sprout these beautiful flowers in the Spring and the birds and bugs come to visit me as soon as my buds appear. I no longer roam the yard as I did but I am still sleeping on my mound, just in another form. I am growing and now have beautiful green branches that drape down and touch the ground. In the fall, the leaves turn orange and then in Winter after my leaves drop, I hibernate until the next Spring. I am part of Mother Nature’s cycle, from Labrador to weeping cherry tree.

Although I am in a different form, I am still rooted to my family and I have room to grow with them. I see my buddies, Winston and Zoe, every day and wish I could chase them around the yard again. But, now I have a different purpose. I clean the air and the water. I provide a home to bugs and caterpillars and see the beautiful butterflies launch from my branches. I have arms that reach deep beneath the earth and if my roots go a little further I will reach the brick house and I soon will be able to hear my families’ voices when they are inside. I miss being with them but I cherish my new role as a tree and home to many creatures and I am so happy they have not forgotten me. I see the tears well up in Mama Robin’s eyes as she touches my branches. I know she loved me and still has a place in my heart for me. I wish I could move my branches and hug her so I could show her how much I love her still.

– Robin Schepper