<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div><div><b>“My Loyal Friend” </b>by Pat A. Fleming</div><div><br></div><div>Outside my bedroom window</div><div>Stands an old majestic tree.</div><div>She's been standing there for decades,</div><div>Just as proud as she can be.</div><div><br></div><div>And every morning when I wake,</div><div>She's the first thing I see.</div><div>This lovely constant in my life,</div><div>So magnificent and free.</div><div><br></div><div>I can see the early, rising sun</div><div>Peeking through her lush green leaves.</div><div>I can hear her moving gently,</div><div>In the summer's warming breeze.</div><div><br></div><div>She has a personality</div><div>That she wants the world to see.</div><div>And her moods are ever changing</div><div>Behind her silent dignity.</div><div><br></div><div>She responds to every season,</div><div>In her own unfettered way.</div><div>All we have to do is gaze at her</div><div>To know what season's on its way.</div><div><br></div><div>In the Spring she comes alive again,</div><div>As her leaves begin to bloom.</div><div>And beneath the sun's attention,</div><div>You can almost see her swoon.</div><div><br></div><div>And in the heat of the summertime,</div><div>When her joy is magnified.</div><div>She has never looked more beautiful,</div><div>All "decked out to the nines."</div><div><br></div><div>And when the Fall comes creeping in,</div><div>And a chill floats on the breeze,</div><div>She prefers to don more earthy tones,</div><div>And does just what she please.</div><div><br></div><div>But when the Winter's looming large,</div><div>It's impossible to hide</div><div>As her barren limbs droop soulfully.</div><div>They betray her grief inside.</div><div><br></div><div>She's stood by me through all my days.</div><div>She's watched me laugh and cry.</div><div>She's listened so intently</div><div>While I've pondered on my life.</div><div><br></div><div>And when I see her dank and weary,</div><div>I will sit with her sometimes.</div><div>And all the years we've shared together</div><div>Will come rushing back to mind.</div><div><br></div><div>But both of us are strong and true.</div><div>We've become the closest friends,</div><div>And we will weather every storm</div><div>Together till the end.</div></div><div><br></div>———————————————<br><br><div dir="ltr"><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)</span></div><div><a href="http://www.moscowcares.com/" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000">http://www.MoscowCares.com</font></a></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tom Hansen</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Moscow, Idaho</span></div></div><div><br></div></div></body></html>