Here Under the Tree

Heather Switlik, 13, Pennington, NJ

Here comes a man with a bride,
driving down the road that goes forever.
Plants a tree and bows before it.
Here. Right here.

Built a house with fine wood,
filling up with all sorts of things.
Plants a tree for every person born.
Here. Right here.

Here comes some friends driving in their car.
Cheerfully loud with children singing.
Getting ready for a family dinner.
Here. Right here.

There are trees growing year by year.
Budding with tons of spring flowers.
Kids play below the tree.
Here. Right here.

Children play with all their friends.
Father takes a break,
Mother hangs the wash.
Here. Right here.

Brother rides his bike in the noonday sun.
Everyone is getting ready for a swim.
Then splash everyone in the pool.
Here. Right here.

Now all at the daughter's wedding.
Waiting for all the friends.
Talking and singing away.
Here. Right here.

There are still trees growing year by year.
Filled with tons of summer fruits.
A woman sits and rests in the shade.
Here. Right here.

The mom becomes a grandma.
The dad is a grandpa.
Sitting on the porch as the sun sets.
Here. Right here.

Grandpa makes up stories,
with a lap full of children.
The dog is at his feet listening.
Here. Right here.

There are still trees growing year by year.
Filled with autumn leaves.
Pumpkins on the porch with a grin.
Here. Right here.

Christmas is here, and snow is falling.
Grandma wraps the presents and sings.
The house is full of joy.
Here. Right here.

Grandpa bought a tree down the road.
Sitting perfectly where everyone can see it.
He brings it in and fills the house with that sweet pine smell.
Here. Right here.

There are still trees growing year by year.
Now they are filled with snow.
The children play below it in the snow.
Here. Right here.

Now there is an old man.
Resting with his dog.
Being as peaceful as he can be.
Here. Right here.

Friends come from near and far.
They all come to the tree.
Grandpa died, so they plant a tree.
Here. Right here.

Here is where they live.
Here is where the trees are.
Here is home.
Here. Right here.

"Heather is 13 years old. She lives in Pennington, NJ. Heather is in the 7th grade at Timberlane Jr. School. She likes all sports and the countryside. She also likes chocolate and funny movies."

Teacher: Pat Coats

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