Standing tall under the sky of many colors,

The gentle swaying of myriad branches

All green with delicate leaves.

Branches, bending in rhythm to the wind’s velocity as if to dance.

This majestic beauty sends reminders of a father deeply loved.

The forgiving nature of branches bending almost to breaking,

Then bouncing back to comfortable motion.

Father’s demeanor was like those branches,

Constantly swaying, bending, forgiving of twists and turns.

The Willow Tree is treasured for its abundance of shade,

Its ornamental presence of beauty and oh those drooping branches!

They evoke peace and tranquility and a softness of nature…. relax in God’s splendor.

My father is that Willow Tree—a steadfast giant of strength

Through his joyful manner and prankster antics.

I learned to laugh, and I learned to open my heart.

The Willow known as weeping has the kindness and honesty

Valued in memory,

Of a man who shaped me and all who I am.

A role model for our family, of unrelenting forgiveness to others

For unkind and deliberate slights thrown as arrows.

His gentle way of navigating the world

In essence the Willow Tree,

Standing tall under the sky of many colors,

The gentle swaying of myriad branches

All green with delicate leaves.