The Tree and the Chair

Sept. 27, 2013 

June 10 & 11, 2014

The Tree and the Chair

The pecan tree leaned at eighty degrees,

At a slightly startling tilt,

But it smiled and twinkled and said to me

In a soothing, country lilt,

“Don’t be afraid, I won’t fall over;

I’ve been here for many years.

I’ve spread the shade to the farmer’s aid

And I’ve given him much good cheer.”

The dear farmer cleared, and plowed, and toiled,               

And sowed the lot with seed,

And, once in a while, the deserving man

Took a rest ‘neath the sheltering tree.

The familiar chair with woven wire seat

And the woven wire back to match

Still rests there, rusting patiently

For another tired toiler to catch.

The chair and tree have stood for years

Side by side together—

It’ll be a shame when the friendship breaks

Through removal of one or other.

But for now, the two stand calmly there,

Watching each season’s own glee

Ready for use or happy at rest

Content whate’er their lot be.