The pyramids in their well-worn track
Have timeless stood so free.
And to virgin stands of tamarack
Sixty’s young if you’re a tree.

The redwood forest ages hence
Will soar so breathlessly.
One thousand years have spoken since:
Six decades’ short to me.

(John Austin's complete poem for JeanieS's birthday below)

Sixty Ain't Old If You're A Tree

The pyramids in their well-worn track
Have timeless stood so free.
And to virgin stands of tamarack
Sixty’s young if you’re a tree.

The redwood forest ages hence
Will soar so breathlessly.
One thousand years have spoken since:
Six decades’ short to me.

The Rocky Mountains reach the sky
Their endless splendor sweeps.
How ever firs and pines grow high
Three score to them is brief.

The oceans run so true and deep
Still steeped of life it’s sung.
But alpine spruce show the belief:
Six decades is quite young.

In final essence all this means
Our trees are ageless, see?
So forgive me as I spill the beans:
Too bad you aren’t a tree!

Happy Birthday, Jeannie.