The Pine Tree’s Story 
Yes, here’s an end of me—in this backyard— 
Cast out, rejected, only fit to go 
On rubbish piles—yet I don’t take it hard. 
For I have had my day of royal show. 
My life was spent amid the northern snow 
Where tempests harped their songs through me—one day 
Upon my heart the ax fell, blow on blow, 
Then came a long, dark journey and I lay 
On the hard pavement of the city—there 
I heard them bargain for me—I was sold. 
They straightened out my limbs with love and care 
And decorated me with white and gold. 
I held out loving gifts—a Christmas tree— 
The children danced before me—the white head 
Bowed with earth’s sorrows looked in hope to me, 
I brought the old life message from the dead. 
Yes, I have had my day—a whole lifetime 
Crowded within those few bright hours; I go 
Willingly now, with memories sublime, 
Into oblivion, for ’tis best, I know. 
To die if need be for the old, old tale— 
The Christrnas story that can make men free— 
Kather than grow against the mountain gale 
A forest giant living selfishly. 
4 
