Go Plant A Tree

God, what a joy it is to plant a tree,     And from the sallow earth to watch it rise,     Lifting its emerald branches to the skies     In silent adoration; and to see     Its strength and glory waxing with each spring.     Yes, 'tis a goodly, and a gladsome thing     To plant a tree.     Nature has many marvels; but a tree     Seems more than marvellous.    It is divine.     So generous, so tender, so benign.     Not garrulous like the rivers; and yet free     In pleasant converse with the winds and birds;     Oh! privilege beyond explaining words,     To plant a tree.     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.     Yea, of all righteous acts, this, this is 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 blessing through the spheres     To one who gave this triple boon to me,     Of growing beauty, singing birds, and shade.     Wouldst thou win laurels that shall never fade?     Go plant a tree.