A seed so many years ago
Was planted here in Stellenbosch.
You saw the centuries roll by
And lives begin, and grow, and die.
Babes on rugs beneath your leaves
Enjoyed the cool, refreshing breeze.
Then children climbed your sturdy boughs
And played their games of make believe.
Young men courted sweethearts here
In twilight as the sun sank down.
A bridal pair exchanged their vows
With roses twined amidst your twigs;
Then once again life's cycle starts.
Your roots grow deep, your branches high,
Acorns drop but none will grow -
Your seeds will feed the farmer's pigs.
The centuries will load your boughs
And cause your trunk to hollow out,
But yet you stand - a monument -
A living testament to faith.
