A Tree's Plea

Do not break my branches, do not destroy my soul,

Taking me from Formby would leave a gaping hole.

Do not saw my trunk, and do not break my heart,

I was here before you, right from the very start.

I am strong and blossoming, in every way a tree should do—

Not diseased or dying, I produce healthy leaves each season new.

Here I have always stood, with every year that rolls around,

Now I'm threatened with murder, but I will stand my ground.

I see congregations of people come together every day,

Crowds with signs and posters, saying 'There must be a way!'

They want to me to be saved, I hear, and it is entirely true,

You have no right to destroy me, my time is not yet through.

Do not break my branches, do not destroy my soul,

Taking me from Formby would leave a gaping hole.

Do not saw my trunk, and do not break my heart,

I was here before you, right from the very start.

I see mothers with daughters, and fathers with young sons,

Grandparents, aunties, people out on their morning runs.

They stop and admire me, taking a minute from their day,

To appreciate the simple things, as my leaves softly sway.

For years I've stood here watching, an observer of the street,

Watching people exchange glances to those that they meet.

From the faces of the past, to those within the present day,

I am part of Formby's history, and I am here to stay.

Do not destroy my branches, do not destroy my soul,

Taking me from Formby would leave a gaping hole.

Do not saw my trunk, and do not break my heart,

I was here before you, right from the very start.