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...KING DAVID by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET AN UNINSCRIBED MONUMENT - BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS by HERMAN MELVILLE SEVEN SAD SONNETS: 2. THE OTHER ONE COMES TO HER by MARY REYNOLDS ALDIS THE LEAF by ANTOINE VINCENT ARNAULT THINK-ABOUTS by DAISY MAUD BELLIS |