The Tree Stump

My house sits at the end of the street; The school bus stops here two times a day. I watch the children gather and meet; Remembering my kids that have moved away. Years ago the old oak tree had to come down, Leaving a large round stump in the ground; A perfect place for the little ones to sit, Waiting on their yellow school bus trip. I started leaving little trinkets in the stump, And watched the surprised faces grin. Their excitement and joy would cause them to jump When they found the special gifts planted within. The kids start showing up earlier each day; Searching the crevices before starting to play. Sharing the treasures with their other school friends; I am always disappointed when another school year ends. One evening when I went out to hide some small toys, I saw a piece of paper rolled up in a clump. In a child’s writing was; “From all the girls and boys” “Thank you so much for being a love giving stump.”