July Photo Challenge Day 22 - Something Old

Today's assignment: Something Old

 I like to bug Nathan about him being old (he's only 1 yr older than me), so it's rather fitting he's in this picture, but it's really of the tree.  I took this picture on our most recent cruise during our stop in St. Kitts.  We took a tour of the island and this magnificent tree is at Romney Manor - it is about 400 yrs old, 24' in diameter and covers 1/2 an acre!  The estate of Romney Manor was once owned by Sam Jefferson II - the great great great grandfather of Thomas Jefferson.  

Here's the poem that's on a plaque below the tree....

The Tree

by Sue Mackiewicz

of Middletown, CT, USA

A majestic Saman tree for hundreds of years has stood,

And now under its canopy a chair of carved wood

Shading the chair from the sun and rain

Through changing times of laughter and pain

Decades ago the seed started to grow

And a fragile shoot started to show

And there on the hill high above the sea

Began the life of an amazing tree.

As time went by the tree watches below

As war began and blood would flow

Sadly watching slaves toil in the sun

Sugar cane for miles-their work never done

The tree grew on-a strong symbol of pride

Its branches stretching out for all to see

A pinnacle of strengthen-a wish all could be free.

Years later at last the island peace

After years of hardship a welcome release

Tranquil and quiet the tree stands still

In its shadow a ruin of the sugar mill

Now under the branches children laugh and play

Lovers meet and go their separate way

Such a special place they thought to add a seat

In the shade and calm-a peaceful retreat.

I am here for a visit –I wish I could stay

For moment I sit –how many passed this way?

Through the leaves of green –the suns rays of gold

Ghosts of Caribbean Legends untold.

I only sat for moment –on this chair that I love 

Alone but for the wind in the branches above 

But I will keep this eternal place in my mind

For more special tree I will never find.

On a more personal note, this is now 16 yrs old.   It was a wedding gift from one of Nathan's cousins and still sits on the dresser in our closet.

Tomorrow's assignment: Animal

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