for Jeremiah, Carli and Bryce

c2009 Susan Noyes Anderson

 

 

My best friend is a live oak tree.

His branches shade and shelter me.

Beneath these arms of green, each day,

I come to sit and read and play.

 

If you look up and squint your eyes,

think hard of golden butterflies,

and drink one drop of morning dew,

you'll see him smiling down on you.

 

Not every grown-up sees his face

but Grandpa sees it (just in case

you don't believe me) and what's more;

around the back, we've found a door.

 

A tiny door, for elf or gnome,

or other folk who make a home

inside my wondrous, magic tree.

Each night, they leave a gift…for me!