By Terry Oxley ——Bio and Archives--May 30, 2023
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From out of the ether it came to mind, a phrase of sorts I surmise. It demands attention to four short words, “that ugly old tree.” These jousts with meaning always begin as foggy notions resisting all efforts to ignore them – at least until respected with fingers on the keyboard.
What is the meaning of “that ugly old tree?” These annoying words and phrases always turn out to be metaphorical which eliminates that weather-damaged juniper tree in my back yard. So, what has been weighing on my mind lately?
Given the extraordinary nature of current events, I have much to ponder. Corruption at the highest levels of the FBI; millions of immigrants flooding the nation’s southern border; millions of mentally ill and homeless persons living on city streets; prolific public drug use ignored by law enforcement; respected experts cancelled for challenging official pandemic doctrine; long established businesses closing due to widespread looting; military forces leaving behind billion dollar resources for terrorists to exploit; a sitting President storing sensitive government documents in his garage; appointments made to public offices based on skin color and other irrelevant characteristics; elimination of academic merit for college admissions; failing public schools; and, government agencies and partisan activists conspiring to manipulate news coverage and influence elections.
It is hard to ponder these trends and events and square them with America’s loftiest aspirations. How can the freest, most just and prosperous country in world history fall into such anarchy? Can we citizens no longer abide by the Founder’s principle that a constitutional republic can only be entrusted to and preserved by citizens of good character? This allegory is a humbling effort to express these troubling thoughts.
That ugly old tree a blight to the eye some said,
its bark ever sappy its leaves forever shed.
Cut it down they cried good riddance be,
what good can come of that ugly old tree?
Defenders knew better but voices were lax,
so that ugly old tree was soon put to the ax.
No welcoming limbs for a robin’s Spring nest nor lovely, sweet blossoms for a honeybee’s test.
As Summer arrived no cool shade for the town,
not a place for a gathering anywhere found.
When Autumn discovered this once leafy spot,
fruits for harvest sweet nectars were naught.
Winter floods afresh found no roots holding clay.
So, the town and its people were soon swept away.
If only more voices been bolder and free,
life would still flourish round that ugly old tree.
The absence of courage and gratitude true – an
allegory for everyone especially you – me too.
Dedicated to all the ugly old trees we must save from the axe: virtue, faith, family, liberty, rule-of-law, self-governance, free speech, love of country and a constitutional democracy.
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Terry is a former utility executive, retired military officer and community service volunteer residing in Tumwater, WA. He has served as Board Director for the United Services Organization (USO), Washington Business Week Foundation, Washington Youth Academy and the Bellevue Schools Foundation. Terry has also served as a contributing writer for The Olympian, a newspaper headquartered in Olympia, WA.