Two 'B' words in one poem

Truly, I am grateful that I had to memorize Joyce Kilmer's poem when I was in 4th grade. I still know it by heart.

But reciting it in front of the class? With all those boys just waiting for me to say the "B" words? Wicked, wicked teacher!

Somehow, I survived the day of dread. And while I don't climb trees like the monkey I was then, I have been known to gawk at them, especially when the sun is setting.

We're fortunate to still have some elms in our little village, and this one stopped me in my tracks recently. Everything seems illuminated and framed now that I tote my new little point-and-shoot.

I have Gracie from Gracie Who? to thank for the courage to post my own shot.

Trees

By Joyce Kilmer

I think that I shall never see

A poem as lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain

Who intimately lives with rain

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only god can make a tree.

Image by me! (Wish I knew how to make it bigger!)