The oak tree stands by Jim's west orchard wall. Perhaps it grew from out an acorn left By chipmunk running by. But Jim's no call To keep the tree, says John. Let it be cleft From tip to stump; a ship-yard would be glad To get that plank. Or say Jim used it here -- There's ox-yoke timber good's his father had, Would season stout enough for any steer. But Jim says no. Too many times at night He's seen the stars like blossoms on that tree, While when the moon is new, it's frail and slight And just depends upon the oak, says he. The tree must stand untouched. How else could Jim Give needy moon and stars an oak tree limb? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HIS SAVIOURS WORDS, GOING TO THE CROSSE by ROBERT HERRICK SING-SONG; A NURSERY RHYME BOOK: 48 by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI THE BLIND MEN AND THE ELEPHANT by JOHN GODFREY SAXE CHARACTERS: SARAH RIGBY by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD REBEL FAITH by WILLIAM ROSE BENET TREES ON THE CALAIS ROAD by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN |