You are a tree;

A proud oak

With many branches

Your roots reach,

Reach deep;

Into the past like an anchor

They hold you;

Down,

So you can't fly away;

So you'll never forget,

You have to stay;

They need you

They need your strength,

They need your shade;

Your familiarity and solace

They need your leaves,

To cover them in autumn

Like a multicolored quilt

They need your shadow,

So they have something to strive for;

Something to help them see

They are so much better;

Better than they think,

Or than they can yet be

They need your strong sillouette

On a winter night,

Standing stark against the stars;

Your many branches pointing out

Pictures in the sky;

Stories untold for generations

Stories that feed imaginations;

Make them grow,

Shedding thoughts like flakes of snow

They need you,

Because of this 

And more.

Yes, they need you;

You are their guiding star.

But I need you too.

You are more than just a passerby,

More than someone's 

Second glances

You are a tree;

A proud oak,

With many branches.