The Grandest Little Balsam

There once was a little balsam who was growing green and free, And he hoped that he'd be taken to be used as a Christmas tree. He'd spent all of his early years growing tall and full and straight, The greenest fir in the nursery, thus insuring his joyous fate. It happened on Thanksgiving Day, when a family came to choose That proud and towering balsam, so they paid his nursery dues. To home, they took the little fir, to adorn his spreading boughs With pretty lights and ornaments, and a chorus of "ahs" and "wows". And there he stood, quite diligent, through the holidays and nights, Stunning with his proud display, and his dazzling yule delights. "Best tree on the street!" said all through Christmas and New Years, Until ... one day the family took him down, not shedding tears. And tho' he'd served them ardently, it seemed his time was done, For off came all the shiny trim, all the garland, bulbs and fun. They had treated him so kindly in the weeks of Christmas, past, Yet now they tossed him to the curb - seemed their good will ... didn't last. The trash truck carried him away, with his limbs now dead and dry, His tears of sap dripped on the street, his boughs waved sad, goodbye, For Christmas trees are blessings, but there's always a price to pay - An early end to the grandest life, in a landfill ... cold and gray. ~ 1st Place ~ in the "Contest 530 Any Form, Any Theme" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Judge & Sponsor. ~ 6th Place ~ in the "Christmas Tree" Poetry Contest, Shadow Hamilton, Judge & Sponsor.