Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 April 1911 — THE PLANTING OF A TREE. [ARTICLE]

THE PLANTING OF A TREE.

By MARION COUTHOUT SMITH. WOULDST thou upbuild a home where sweet wild lives are nested, Glad with the sound of song, quick with the flash of wings; ». . Where the soft broods may rock, warm housed and unmolested, Deep in the leafy nooks, through all the changeful springs! OR wouldst thou rear an arch of noblest grace and splendor. Lifted in air and light, shaped by the sun and storm, Moved by the wandering wing, swayed by each influence tender, Yet by the hand of life molded to steadfast form? WOULDST thou make ddy fair and night more rich and holy, Winter more keenly bright and summer's self more dear— Grant the sweet earth a gift, deep rooted, ripening slowly, Add to the sum of joys that bless the rounded year? GO, then, and plant a tree, lovely in sun and shadow, - Gracious in every kind—maple and oak and pine. Peace of the forest glade, wealth r* the fruitful meadow, Blessings of dew and shade, hereafter shall be thinel FOR though thou never see the joy thy hand hath granted, Those who shall follow thee thy generous boon may share, Thou shalt be Nature’s child, who her best frqjt hath planted, And each of many a spring shall find thy gift more fair.j*