I came to live here on this farm way back
When I was very young. They planted me
Here in the corner of their garden spot.
They were young too, just newly married folks.
They seemed so happy as they worked and talked.
Said she, "I'll make you lots of pies some day
From apples grown right here on our own tree."
They took good care of me and I grew tall
And did my best to keep them well supplied
with big red juicy apples in the fall.
When their first baby came they placed a chair
Where she could sit and rock it in my shade.
When he was two another baby came.
It was a girl and soon there were two more.
Next two more boys were added to the troop.
The boys and girls played in my shade all day.
The girls would make a playhouse and pretend
That they were making dinner for their guests.
The boys all liked to climb way up in me.
One day the farmer came and dug a hole
Where spot, the dog, was laid to rest near me.
The children had a funeral that day.
Their grief was real and made me feel so sad.
They placed fresh flowers on his grave for days.
The farmer made a swing to hang from me.
They swing so high and talked and laughed and sang.
But soon they all grew up and left the farm.
I felt let down when they all went away.
But still the farmer and his wife will come
To rest here in my shade on summer days.
They talk about good times that they have shared.
I listen and enjoy the tales they tell.
And every now and .then the kids return
To pick some apples to take home with them
And let their children play in my cool shade.
My life has been so pleasant all my days,
I would not trade my spot with any tree.

Helen Webb
South Point, OH