Entwined

An old tree formed from two
          merged together by wind and storm
How so this, from growth once new,
          to be so scarred and mangled formed?

Saplings once the two from seed
          with bright beginnings and so much time,
Close they were, so close indeed,
          that leaf and branch and trunk entwined.

Twists and turns to conflict led,
          as force of will between did spark.
But in the strife, the twining sped,
          and strengthened hard both bond and bark.

Against the wind the two did stand,
          rising high above the felled.
Seeds falling upon the land,
          'neath their expanse in nurture held.

Beyond them soon the seedlings grew
          beyond their covering shelter's need,
Until they were but one anew,
          o're shadowed full by younger breed.

Summer's heat, the cool of fall,
          ushers in the end unspoken.
Leaves of color adorning all,
          falling with old dreams awoken.

Left 'tis beauty of the pain,
          of wars waged and strengthened ties,
Of wounds healed and gnarls lain,
          the burl grain, a master's prize.

Testament to the beauty of two,
          through wars waged and wounds healed.
In legacy lies hope anew,
          a timeless work their core will yield.