Notes From Public School - Day 122

“Mr. Barton, you are our shade,” said two of my students at recess.

We were standing in the sunshine of an early March, late morning, South Carolina, 70 degree day (w/apologies to family in Bozeman, Montana where it will be 13 degrees next week) and I was making a shadow for them to stand under.

“You are our tree.”

I hope so.

They reminded me of this poem I wrote after teaching The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.

If I were a tree,

     I would like to be

          A giving tree.

Leaves a peaceful green,

     Birds could sit and sing,

          Children laugh and swing

                Upon my branches.

Fruit a joyful red,

     The sun could rest its head,

         The hungry could be fed

               Upon my apples.

Bark an earthy brown,

      Roots deep in the ground,

          The weary could sit down

               Against my trunk.

Friend the gentle breeze

     Could rustle through my leaves,

          Refreshing all in need

               Under my shade.

I'd be strong and tall,

     Give myself to all

          Until my fruit was gone,

               A giving tree.

Though I would be bare,

     I would still be there

          Reminding you I care,

               The giving tree.

Then springtime would begin,

     And I would bloom again

          To be for you my friend

               Your giving tree.