Acorns

I walked through the woods

On a cloudy November day.

I stopped to pick up an acorn

And put it in my pocket to take home.

Such great potential in a tiny vessel.

I carried a large oak home that day;

But I did not struggle with the weight of it.

I hardly thought any more of it.

The next day I planted that seed.

In a secluded corner of the backyard.

I waited patiently over the years

And was rewarded with much shade.

But one day many years later

I walked through those same woods as before

It was then I realized the absence of an oak tree,

And guilt lay heavy on me for my theft.