| Collection |
Oklahoma City National Memorial Fence Collection |
| Date |
04/25/1996 |
| Description |
The poem in this frame is named "The Old Survivor Tree."
It reads "How long have I been here? How did I come to be? Questions people ask About the Old Survivor Tree. A seed carried on wings of wind, Dropped in a predestined place Before the years of statehood, My shade the prairie graced. A city built around me, Building tall and strong, I was spared the chopping ax, The builder felt that I belonged. As the city progressed, cars, street cars and such, I wondered about my purpose Through the dust bowl and the floods. The years passed by and around me, A parking lot was made, I was left - - The only tree To grace the ground with shade. Time has taken its toll on me, My limbs twisted and bent, Some through the years were cut away Without my consent. Why are you still here? They ask, You ugly twisted tree, I do no know my purpose yet, but someday we will see. Across the street one quiet April day, 9:02 the time, Vengeful men set off a blast, Our nations most horrendous crime. Through smoke and blood and rubble Men came from everywhere to save, Everyone that they could find Within that massive, crumpled building's caves. I too bear the bombers scars, For all the world to see, Now I know my purpose As the Old Survivor Tree. I have lived one-hundred years As I stand here leafy green today, A symbol of living hope To all who pass this way. So it is with human life, as we reason why, To everything a season, God hears us as we cry. Let us purpose in our hearts, To make this world a better place, Let us all see, The Old Survivor Tree, A symbol of God's grace, Glen parker, April 25, 1996." |
| Object ID |
3257F |
| Object Name |
Poem |
|
