• The longstanding oak in his silence does soak,
    In his infinite wisdom tells never a joke
    Watches elm pass with pine, stands the true test of time
    Branches growing more fine-- oh, another one broke!


    The time now is right for a great show of lights
    It certainly shall be a beautiful sight
    Glowing yellow and red-- oh, but many are dead!
    In the fields overhead, a small match a man strikes.


    Wings flutter, feet scramble, throats howl, squeak and hoot
    A thick cloud of ash o'er a mountain of soot
    The years and the history of decade and century
    All lead to this moment, the burning of root


    The time now is right for a great show of lights
    It certainly shall be a beautiful sight
    Glowing yellow and red-- oh, we'll soon all be dead!
    I can't see overhead, for the fire is too bright.

    I can't see overhead, as the forest ignites!


    Ashes to ashes, covered in dust
    Each ring a memory, lost in the end
    The garments, his leaves, the color of rust
    For the lighting of one match-- the folly of men