Affinity

American Chestnut Tree
Photo from flickr.com

ancient chestnut
arms spread overhead
it protects me
respects my affinity
stands as my guard
against doubt and debility
dressed in its deep
rugged corduroy skin
sieged by seasons
two centuries past
true New Englander
staunch independent
no forest no village
of likeminded trees
needs sustain it
I take its example
I practice to imitate valor
find wherewithal
needed to face my
own human adversities
stoically proudly erect
faith invested in
one mighty axiom
live free or die