The Pine

WARWICK JAMES PRICE

Commanding and rugged rises the sturdy shaft of the pine
tree.
Lacking the grace of the birches, it seems to embody endurance;
Withstanding old Boreas' buffets, it yet gives shelter to
nestlings;
Its roots sunk deep in the hillside, it still points upward to
heaven.

Surely there is a preachment held in the hands of its branches,
A sermon written in needles, pointed and haunting and
fragrant.