The Tree?

At the foot of great mountains,

stands the strongest of trees.

Near the river that gives life,

whose flow is to ease.

But life has a way,

to test power and strength.

Even of the mighty tree,

high in its length.

First comes a drought,

to burn on the land.

It comes to test the trees roots,

and weaken its stand.

Then come the insects,

that eat up its leaves.

They destroy all growth,

bringing only disease. 

Now sickened and dry,

the rotting begins.

With no sap in its branches,

to hold back the winds.

At a place where power and fruit,

proudly once stood.

Now lay the weak and the barren,

just brittle wood.