Old companion I know you are dying
I feel the dark moment rise up through your core
All your leaves die and your branches are bare
And I fear if I sleep I'll awaken no more

Oh, you have been a great-hearted friend
How we have peacefully travelled the years
Now a soft counterpoint fills all my dreams
The fall of your leaves and the fall of my tears

Old companion I wakened this morning
And felt a sad emptiness where you had been
I was alone; lost in my grief for you
Missing your touch so much loser than kin

Old companion I found in your shadow
One of the striplings that came from your seed
Will he flourish feeding on all you were
Will his young heart be the home that I need

New companion pardon my tears awhile
I will grow happier over the years
As we grow close time will be good to us
Granting us centuries yet without fears

Oh and he was a great-hearted friend
Peacefully sharing my life 'til today
Now he is only alive in my memory
All else he was will soon crumble away