Ruthie's Gift©James Browne
Ruthie's Gift
Simon lived close to the ground
Beneath a Grand ol' Tree
A stubborn, little woodland elf
Who snarled, "just let me be!"
At times the woodland creatures
And fairies on the breeze
Would ask him to come out and play
To view the tops of trees.
"I will not go, I will not go!"
Said Simon, bold and proud
"My home is mine and not for show,
I do not like a crowd!"
"You can have your sunshine
And your merry little ring
I'll dwell amongst the gnarly roots
That to my bedroom cling."
"I can entertain myself
I'm my own best friend!
I have too much on my mind
I do not mix and blend!"
Now, this is strange behavior
For such a youthful fae
Who really should be active
And explore most of the day
A sadness had invaded him
He felt so all alone
Tears would stream beneath the roots
Until he slept...he'd moan.
One breezy, chilly morning
While the tree did creak
Simon was awakened
By scratching and a squeak
Near the entrance of his home
Behind the morning dew
There stood a friendly mother mouse
With eyes and bonnet blue
Hello, my name is Ruthie!
She said in soothing voice
I've been your neighbor many years
And do lament your choice
You know it is not healthy
To always stay inside
The world is bright and beautiful
Adventures far and wide!
You can dwell beneath the trees
And make the roots your home
But you should also breathe the air
And in the forest roam
I think I know what troubles you
So daunting to be loved!
In trying situations
You fear you might be shoved
These thoughts are merely growing pains
I know that you'll be fine
Don't turn away your forest friends
So, please...will you be mine?
I've prepared a little gift
To help prepare the way
Let this be your talisman
For light and joy you'll pray
Whenever you feel sadness,
Anger, doubt, or fear
Stow those feelings in this pouch
To make your vision clear
Raise your arms and stretch your legs
Enjoy how you are made
And happily go wandering
Through forest, stream, and glade
Many friends are waiting
I'll be by your side
If you're feeling timid
On my furry back you'll ride
Then Simon felt a burden
Lifted from his being
At once, he was not even sure
What blocked his heart from seeing
He bowed his head into her coat
And stroked her whiskered-face
"I sense that you have rescued me
From my confusing place"
The little elf still loves his roots
Where, now, his basement lies
But Simon built a staircase
'Round trunk and to the skies!
With many rooms and platforms
He brightened up his space
And put his favorite rocking chair
Beside the tree's old face
Almost every evening
He entertains his guests
His tree house now a mansion
He shares with birds and nests
Ruthie, always present
To share her lovely gift
She cares for every neighbor
And makes all spirits lift
***
Theo J. van Joolen ©2011
Beneath a Grand ol' Tree
A stubborn, little woodland elf
Who snarled, "just let me be!"
At times the woodland creatures
And fairies on the breeze
Would ask him to come out and play
To view the tops of trees.
"I will not go, I will not go!"
Said Simon, bold and proud
"My home is mine and not for show,
I do not like a crowd!"
"You can have your sunshine
And your merry little ring
I'll dwell amongst the gnarly roots
That to my bedroom cling."
"I can entertain myself
I'm my own best friend!
I have too much on my mind
I do not mix and blend!"
Now, this is strange behavior
For such a youthful fae
Who really should be active
And explore most of the day
A sadness had invaded him
He felt so all alone
Tears would stream beneath the roots
Until he slept...he'd moan.
One breezy, chilly morning
While the tree did creak
Simon was awakened
By scratching and a squeak
Near the entrance of his home
Behind the morning dew
There stood a friendly mother mouse
With eyes and bonnet blue
Hello, my name is Ruthie!
She said in soothing voice
I've been your neighbor many years
And do lament your choice
You know it is not healthy
To always stay inside
The world is bright and beautiful
Adventures far and wide!
You can dwell beneath the trees
And make the roots your home
But you should also breathe the air
And in the forest roam
I think I know what troubles you
So daunting to be loved!
In trying situations
You fear you might be shoved
These thoughts are merely growing pains
I know that you'll be fine
Don't turn away your forest friends
So, please...will you be mine?
I've prepared a little gift
To help prepare the way
Let this be your talisman
For light and joy you'll pray
Whenever you feel sadness,
Anger, doubt, or fear
Stow those feelings in this pouch
To make your vision clear
Raise your arms and stretch your legs
Enjoy how you are made
And happily go wandering
Through forest, stream, and glade
Many friends are waiting
I'll be by your side
If you're feeling timid
On my furry back you'll ride
Then Simon felt a burden
Lifted from his being
At once, he was not even sure
What blocked his heart from seeing
He bowed his head into her coat
And stroked her whiskered-face
"I sense that you have rescued me
From my confusing place"
The little elf still loves his roots
Where, now, his basement lies
But Simon built a staircase
'Round trunk and to the skies!
With many rooms and platforms
He brightened up his space
And put his favorite rocking chair
Beside the tree's old face
Almost every evening
He entertains his guests
His tree house now a mansion
He shares with birds and nests
Ruthie, always present
To share her lovely gift
She cares for every neighbor
And makes all spirits lift
***
Theo J. van Joolen ©2011
The Lost Linden©James Bronwe