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STUMPY

  There was a tree where I grew up
  That I spent many happy hours on.
  The swinging tire, the branches high
  Ever filled my happiness cup.


  The tree grew, as did I, to an older age,
  It got too big to keep.
  Who could have realized such beauty to be dangerous?
  The house was threatened, as was the garage.


  I had to have the tree cut down,
  Its wood turned into pieces.
  And each time I burn one of them
  I think back, then my smile turns to a frown.


  I could't cut it all the way to the ground,
  So I left a mighty stump.
  Every so often I will go and sit on it
  And just take in the view aroud.


  Now I have come to love that stump
  Which supported my happiness all those years.
  And though it's not the entire tree,
  It is still a good sized bump.


  I play hide-and-seek around it with my son
  When we get in the mood.
  He's learned to look for me around that stump
  As a hiding place, it's my favorite one.


  I'll never cut the stump all the way
  I just couldn't do that to my tree.
  For I love that stump just as I loved the tree in its glory
  And I love it more each passing day.


  Even in my advanced age and being so grumpy
  I thought of giving the stump a name.
  Then, watching "Rio Bravo" one night it came to me,
  I would just call it "Stumpy".

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  1. Date: 10/21/2010 6:55:00 PM

    Great ending and a great Western. You have summoned up time and memory in winning fashion here. Regards and thank you from Gerard.

  1. Date: 10/18/2010 6:44:00 PM

    the great stump! enjoyed reading today!

  1. Date: 10/18/2010 1:24:00 PM

    At least you had find playing hide and seak with "Stumpy," but it's a shame the tree had to lose a tree that held so many memories for you. Very nice poem. Diane

  1. Date: 10/18/2010 10:43:00 AM

    When a tree threatens your house, it has to be taken down but you'll always have the memories, Daniel. I had a "Stumpy" at my house in Tallahassee. The insurors paid to remove it when it damaged the roof of my house during a hurricane. Hated to see the old Oak go, but the stump was still there when I sold the house last year. Great entry for the contest and I wish you success! Love, Carolyn

  1. Date: 10/18/2010 10:39:00 AM

    I'm amazed so many people can write for this contest..I couldn't do it ! This is really a good one..Take care~Deb

  1. Date: 10/18/2010 10:30:00 AM

    very nice presentation on the theme for the contest, Daniel