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Planting Trees

When I first planted trees I thought it was for shelter 
From the ocean gales blast, and the wild rain lashing rain. 
I needed to help them, so I built up some fences.
I needed to feed them, and dug in some kelp.
The trees looked so weak, so fragile, so lonely 
The trees were so small, but they grew.

Next year some had died, but most still grew bravely.
The gales blew again, the frost hard and deep.
I fussed and I worried, I planted where gaps came 
I fretted and fiddled and firmed in loose roots
The trees bent with the wind, then straightened their backs up. 
The trees drank from the rain, and they grew

Each year they grew on, and the next and the next one
The gales blew again, and the snows came and went, 
I thought about training and pruned very gently 
I did some light weeding, I mulched and I mowed. 
The work was a joy, I loved to be round them.
And oft stood in silence, to think, as they grew

Now after some years there are trees all round me
The gales still blow hard, but the trees still grow on
I see the wind kiss them, and now hear them singing  
I see the rain weeping, and now see them smile
They draw strength from each other with roots intertwining  
And give back to me those rewards you can’t buy.  

When I first planted trees I thought it was for shelter
They have given me that, and so very much more.
I planted my trees to find how to keep growing
I planted my trees to be brave in the storms
I planted my trees to cherish my loved ones
I planted my trees to make hearts smile and soar.
I planted my trees to give hope and redemption
I planted my trees to bring peace to my soul

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