The Sneaker Tree

What is this tree I just drove past

That made me drop my fries!

I looked once, then twice and then again

But could not believe my eyes!

I stopped my car, I jumped out quick

I must take a closer look

At this tree I saw next to the road,

But nowhere near a brook.

A tree that has no branches

A tree with not one leaf

A tree without one little bird!

I stood there in disbelief!

You frown and wonder “Hey, what’s up?”

“Lots of trees fit what you say.

No leaves, as well no branches,

Why would a bird even want to stay?”

That is true, I agree with you

But this tree was more than that

You see even without birds and branches

This tree was where it’s at!

I held my breath, my eyes grew wide

My knees became much weaker

This tree did not need leaves or branches

It was growing shoes and sneakers!

You heard me right, I speak the truth

About this wonder that I saw

About this magical tree in the desert

That made me stand in awe!

Sneakers of red and yellow and white

Sneakers to wear while flying a kite

Sneakers for mom, big ones for dad

Oh, my, do I see one made to be plaid?

Sneakers for kids and old people too

Sneakers for me and sneakers for you

Sneakers to wear while riding a bike

Even a pair of boots to wear on a hike!

Question marks float over my head

Fingernails scratch at my brow

How could a tree produce such a crop?

Could anyone explain to me how?

And do the sneakers fall off the tree

When the seasons begin to change?

And if they do, who rakes them up?

Oh, this was getting very strange.

I pondered then I wondered

Then I scratched my head again;

What kind of seed could grow this…

And not just what but when?

It must just be a magic tree

Grown with pixie dust and sweat

I could not stay and gaze much more

I could no longer fret.

My shoulders shrugged, I turned away

To leave this enchanted tree behind

I was sure no one would believe me

Oh, of this I was resigned.

I glanced in my rear view mirror

As the wheels began to turn

And saw the tree began to sparkle,

Saw brilliant colors churn.

No sooner had I seen the lights

Swirl about like rainbow streakers

That I noticed my feet were bare;

What happened to my sneakers?

© Copyright pending Susan R. O'Brien