And then I became,
Existing as only a tiny seed.
I was told I would be something big one day;
Grow up and be like all the other oaks.

The spring bliss filled the air;
A time of flourishment and growth.
I began to arise; started to reach towards the surface.
Until one day, I was a little tree.
Before long branches grew,
And leaves appeared.
I began to experience the world.
Summer approached…

Calm, relaxing; the feel of summer had arrived.
Picnics were held under my shade,
Names were carved into my trunk.
And a tire swing was mounted onto my limb.
Summer was fun and carefree.
But autumn was just around the corner…

The first crisp day was the sign of the new season.
Things seemed to settle down; become quiet.
The splendor of the changing leaves glowed upon my limbs.
I began to reflect upon the beauty of life, and my place in the world.

Suddenly, winter came creeping up.
My burning leaves lost their brilliance
Fallen and brown upon the ground.
The frost enveloped me
And my limbs caught the first white snow.
My first reaction was fright.
Why was this cold harsh season coming so soon?
What did this mean for me; was this the end?

And then it was silent.
The earth around me seemed to sit at a peaceful scene.
Gradually, I began to find comfort in the situation.
The snow began to fall and I fell into a deep sleep…
Knowing my time was over for the year,
I looked back and was contented, with the things that I had accomplished.
Beginning as only a tiny seed…