Perchance, you have not seen this grand old tree, Which was so like a precious friend to me? You would not guess, if you should see it now, How beautiful it was one year ago, So prim it stands in its accustomed place, Bereft of all its glory and its grace. Nature had drest it with such lavish care, Its peerless beauty was a picture rare. The sturdy trunk. the branches far outspread, Formed a broad dome of verdure overhead. Long, swaying boughs drooped almost to the ground, With leafy twigs inlaced and wove around. So low the branches grew, the children oft Like squirrels ran and perched themselves aloft, And with the birds a merry chorus sang, Till their glad voices through the orchard rang. And sometimes, mimic "keeping house" they played, While I enjoyed the cool and restful shade.
And do you wonder that I loved this tree, It was so beautiful, so fair to see? But now, alas! its loveliness is gone,— Its drooping branches severed, one by one! It stands aloof, distant and cold to me, Reaching not down its hands so lovingly; As people, sometimes, whom to love we try, Chill and repel us, lacking sympathy. You ask me why this sacrifice was made? Because some pear trees nestled in its shade. They could not feel the sunshine or the dew, But dwarfed and puny in its shadow grew. And yet, I could not bear to have it so. O ruthless axe! I felt each cruel blow. Of God's own handiwork it was a part, And every blow fell on my quivering heart.
Some things I love; I cannot tell you why I cling to them with such tenacity. I cannot help the pain, or check the tears For what, to you, a foolish whim appears. I love them more than I have words to tell. They weave about my heart some subtle spell; And, if I lose these dearly cherished friends, Their sweet companionship forever ends.
