As an older gardener I have experienced the loss of some wonderful old trees that were a part of my everyday life. I can empathize with you and your family, Leon, in missing these garden sentinels. This article is a fine tribute to them.
Growing up on a farm I know just how valuable a tree can be. Not only valued for its shade but for all the wildlife it harbors, the skinned shins from climbing gnarled trunks, the swing hanging from its biggest bough, dreams sent up to the clouds from a quilt pallet under its cool, deep shade and sometimes the fruits or nuts it seems to provide with no effort. Even the old scrub oaks in the pasture gave shelter to sun weary cows on the hottest days. Who needs a calendar to tell the months or seasons when you have trees.
As to the poem...... it is one of the first ones I remember from my early school days. Thank you for posting this article. smiles
