Under The Olive Tree

Charlie

Charlie is done in pencil

He can’t afford ink

Or artist’s palette

Or to be immortalized in song

There is no studio to have him sit

And capture subtle hues

Of the color of his eyes

Or hair

Or any of the lines that etched his face

From all the challenges of life

That made him strong.

These days if it’s important

Charlie has to stop

And meditate a moment

Just to catch his thoughts.

He loves a lot of simple things

Tomato plants and sun dog rings.

He walks a lot.

And in the afternoon he sleeps.

But Charlie’s life is full

Of all the finer things

Neighbors, and children that he loves

Panoramic blue skies

With thunder storms

And lightning’s crash

The sunset and the misty dawn.

Sometime soon before you know it

Charlie will be passing on.