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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A CHRISTMAS SONG, by                    
First Line: The oak is a strong and stalwart tree
Last Line: By the beautiful christmas tree.
Subject(s): Christmas; Christmas Trees; Oak Trees; Nativity, The


THE oak is a strong and stalwart tree,
And it lifts its branches up,
And catches the dew right gallantly
In many a dainty cup;
And the world is brighter and better made
Because of the woodman's stroke,
Descending in sun, or falling in shade,
On the sturdy form of the oak.
But stronger, I ween, in apparel green,
And trappings so fair to see,
With its precious freight for small and great,
Is the beautiful Christmas Tree.

The elm is a kind and goodly tree,
With its branches bending low;
The heart is glad when its form we see,
And we list to the river's flow.
Ay, the heart is glad and the pulses bound,
And joy illumines the face,
Whenever a goodly elm is found,
Because of its beauty and grace.
But kinder, I ween, more goodly in mien,
With branches more drooping and free,
The tint of whose leaves fidelity weaves,
Is the beautiful Christmas Tree.

The maple is supple and lithe and strong,
And claimeth our love anew,
When the days are listless and quiet and long,
And the world is fair to view;
And later, -- as beauties and graces unfold, --
A monarch right regally drest,
With streamers aflame, and pennons of gold,
It seemeth of all the best.
More lissome, I ween, the brightness and sheen,
And the coloring sunny and free,
And the banners soft, that are held aloft
By the beautiful Christmas Tree.





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