In the midst of a dense forest, an ancient oak tree stands isolated, its gnarled branches reaching skyward like desperate hands yearning for solace. The leaves shimmer under the dappled sunlight, each rustle whispering long-forgotten secrets. To the wandering traveler, it is just a tree, but to the poet, it symbolizes resilience against the trials of life and the passage of time. Through the seasons, the tree endures storms, heavy snows, and scorching sun, yet each year it blooms anew, a testament to survival. What does the oak tree symbolize in this context?