Planting a Tree

What does he plant who plants a tree?
A scion full of potency,
He plants his faith, a prophecy
Of bloom, and fruitfulness to be;
He plans a shade where robins sing,
Where orioles their nestlings swing;
A burning bush – a miracle!
Who plants a tree, – he doeth well!

What does he plant who plants a tree?
An emblem of the men to be;
Who lightly tough terrestrial clay,
But far above the earth, away
From sordid things and base,
Incarnate ideals for their race­
Who plants a tree, he doeth well,–
Performs with God, a miracle!
Author Unknown

What does he plant who plants a tree
He plants, in sap and leaf and wood,
In love of home and loyalty,
And far-cast thought of civic good
His blessing on the neighborhood.
~Charles Lathrop Pack