In the middle of a beautiful orchard teeming with birds and squirrels
Stood a towering ancient tree.
Its long branches arched over the grassy hedges
Its colossal roots grew deep under the narrow stone pathways.

In a small hole in the trunk is a cosy home for Birdy’s nest
Pudgy Pigeon and Woody Pecker skip about boughs
Lucy Ladybird jumps on shiny leaves
Little Jamie tugs down a juicy apple and bites a chunk out.

The towering tree looked down pleasantly
Holding open its umbrella of leaves
Shielding all from the hot sun or raindrops
Or blustering winds or icy snow
So kind and strong and steady.