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
Copyright © Mark Goodson | Year Posted 2014
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