The Might Oak.

A mighty wind blew night and day
It stole the oak trees leaves away
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark
Until the oak was tired and stark

But still the oak tree held its ground
While other trees fell all around
The weary wind grew up and spoke
How can you still be standing oak

The oak tree said, I know that you
Can break each branch of mine in two
Carry every leaf away
Shake my limbs, and make me sway.

But I have roots stretched in the earth
Growing stronger since my birth
You'll never touch them, for you see
They are the deepest part of me

Until today, I wasn't sure
Of just how much I can endure
But now I've found, with thanks to you
I'm stronger than I ever knew.

A great little poem by Johnny Ray Ryder, Jr

This mighty specimen sits majestically in the middle of Torre Abbey Meadow on Torquay's main seafront, it is believed to be over 450 years old. The fence surrounding it was put there in an effort to protect the trees roots. I wonder how many families, friends or lovers have picnicked in the shade of this tree.