Under the Chestnut

Tyler’s tree as it’s always been known Stands at the northern corner of grandpa’s Kentucky farm home An American Chestnut having survived the late 18th century blight’s harm Grandpa believes the tree lives due to a nearby spring’s charm Its roots venture deep with spring water’s nourishment Its white bark revealing generations of initials carved in it The earliest ancestor nine generations removed Was a man my grandfather called Pappy O’Doul As family legend tells, it was he who transplanted it Brought up from Tinker Creek where he often took a ***** This tree is sacred due to our childhood play Upon a rope swing as generations would swing away their days And summer picnics with firefly light Watermelon cooled in the spring for our delight But you must be wondering why it’s called Tyler’s tree For Pappy O’Doul’s little baby boy is buried there you see