PLANT A TREE 37 



So man's life must climb 



From the clods of time 



Unto heavens sublime. 

 Canst thou prophesy, thou little tree, 

 What the glory of thy boughs shall be? 



He who plants a tree 



Plants a joy; 



Plants a comfort that will never cloy. 

 Every day a fresh reality, 



Beautiful and strong, 



To whose shelter throng 



Creatures blithe with song. 

 If thou couldst but know, thou happy tree, 

 Of the bliss that shall inhabit thee! 



He who plants a tree, 

 He plants peace. 



Under its green curtains jargons cease; 

 Leaf and zephyr murmur soothingly; 



Shadows soft with sleep 



Down tired eyelids creep, 



Balm of slumber deep. 

 Never hast thou dreamed, thou blessed tree, 

 Of the benediction thou shalt be. 



He who plants a tree, 

 He plants youth; 

 Vigor won for centuries, in sooth; 

 Life of time, that hints eternity! 



