Sunday, May 31, 2009

The Giving Tree (Farm)



Back when my Grandparents lived on the farm, it was actually sort of a sustainable community by today's standards, it was out in the country so it was prudent to have a large garden and also a small apple orchard. This is the last standing remnant of what used to be about twenty apple trees.

And after a long time the boy came back again. "I am sorry, Boy," said the tree, "but I have nothing left to give you - My apples are gone." "My teeth are too weak for apples," said the boy. "My branches are gone," said the tree. "You cannot swing on them-" "I am too old to swing on branches," said the boy. 'My trunk is gone," said the tree. "You cannot climb-" "I am too tired to climb," said the boy. "I am sorry," said the tree. "I wish I could give you something....but I have nothing left. I am just an old stump. I am sorry...." "I don't need very much now," said the boy, "just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired." "well," said the tree. straightening herself up as much as she could, "well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest."

And the boy did.

And the tree was happy.
- Shel Silverstein

I would add that the farm makes for a fine place to garden, walk, sit and rest as well.

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