Page:Oklahoma Arbor and Bird Day, Friday, March Twelfth, 1909.pdf/18

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Joy for the sturdy trees! Fanned by each fragrant breeze, Lovely they stand! The song birds o'er them trill They shade each tinkling rill, They crowd each swelling hill, Lowly and grand. Plant them by stream and way, Plant where the children play And toilers rest, In every verdant vale, On every sunny swale, Whether to grow or fail,— God knoweth best. Select the strong, the fair, Plant them, with earnest care,— No toil is vain. Plant in a fitter place, Where, like a lovely face, Let in some sweeter grace, Change may prove gain. God will his blessing send— All things on him depend. His loving care Clings to each leaf and flower Like ivy to its tower. His presence and his power Are everywhere. —Samuel F. Smith.