Two trees two lives

Two trees two lives

Two trees two lives

Oak trees, acorns drift, scatter and plant

Like the children of two lives 

Roots deep in the earth

Spreading, grasping, nourishing, hope

We plant trees in memory

Those we love live on

Trees planted in memory are far more than trees alone

You can hear their voices and laughter at the tree,

Encouragement and smiles and quiet appreciation too

Generations that follow sit under the trees

Oblivious to the history, the memories

Spring and fall the same, blossoms and falling leaves, branches high 

Vigorous lives, roots running deep but are rarely seen

Blossoms in spring

Colorful banners in fall

Seasons change year after year

Yet it doesn’t register, this breath of life, the daunting pace

The bench in their names a place to rest and dialogue on the blessings of this "beautiful life."

About this poem: Two trees two lives is a poem about two memorial red oak trees planted in memory of Betty Ann and Gealy W. Wallwork. I frequently walk to the Oak Grove and sit at the bench and think about their lives and the impact they made on my life and my children's lives. I have seen the trees in winter, spring, summer, and fall and I've seen the changes in the leaves and the growth as well. Each time I sit at the bench and look at the trees I'm invigorated with all that Betty and Gealy taught me and shared with our family- the love, the kindness, and encouragement in our lives. - Joe Holuta