18 
THE ARBOR DAY LADY 
Rocks are majestic; but unlike a tree, 
They stand aloof and silent. In the roar 
Of ocean billows breaking on the shore 
There sounds the voice of turmoil. But a tree 
Speaks ever of companionship and rest 
Yes, of all righteous acts, this, this is the 
best, 
To plant a tree. 
There is an oak (oh, how I love that tree!) 
Which has been thriving for a hundred 
years; 
Each day I send my blessings through the 
spheres 
To one who gave this triple boon to me 
Of growing beauty, singing birds, and 
shade, 
Woulds’t thou win laurels that shall never 
fade? 
Go plant a tree. 
—Ella Wheeler Wilcox. 
