The Tree
Sliding through the snow
in Granddad’s beat-up truck,
Looking for a tree.
Not having any luck.
Evergreens galore.
The Spruce and Firs abound
Nothing fits our search –
too dense, too big, too round.
Finally I spy
the perfect Christmas tree.
Granddad swings his axe,
“Ready. One, two, three!”
“Granddad, stop!” I shout,
“I see a mouse nose there.
Don’t you see that nest?
And isn’t that a hare?”
Thoughts swirl round my head.
I tell Granddad my plan.
He wags his graying beard,
then shakes my mittened hand.
Singing as we drive,
we race back to the farm.
I raid the kitchen store,
while Granddad raids the barn.
Night begins to fall.
We truck back through the snow –
find our lonely tree,
lit up in starry glow.
Stringing beans and hay,
instead of paper chains.
Nuts and seeds in fat,
we cover all in grains.
Then we sit and wait.
and slowly they appear.
The bestest gift and tree
from any Christmas year.
Yay for the animals! I love this, Joanna! What a sweet story. I admit that I prefer a real tree, but the chances of replanting it and having it survive are slim (although one we planted in the in-laws yard is still going strong). So we make do with a fake tree. 🙂
Renée, I so love real trees, too. I go and celebrate with friends in Canada and we go out and cut the tree ourselves, which is great fun – but not very eco-friendly.
This is WONDERFUL, Joanna! What a great idea. Now I want a tree like that!
Thank you, Beth. Wouldn’t it be funny to share a tree with the animals?
Joanna, This is such a lovely story! When I saw that you had posted, I figured you would weave your love of nature & animals into the story somehow. I am blown away by the beauty of the images and the sweetness of the message that you share. Thank you!
Patricia, thank you for your kind words, and you know me well!! As I was writing, I was picturing how various illustrators I know might illustrate this.
I LOVE this, Joanna! So clever and creative – fun and kid-friendly! And I’m laughing because the first story I wrote as a sample and then decided not to use was very similar to this (although it didn’t rhyme and there were birds, not animals, and no decorating with animal-friendly food products) – so apparently great minds think alike 🙂 Yours is much better than the one I scrapped! I’m so glad you entered!!! Great job! 🙂
Susanna, the same thing happened to me with Melissa’s story. I had started to write one set in Oz and Santa surfing in on the waves. I am glad I abandoned it as Melissa’s is so much better!
That is so funny! 🙂
I am just starting to catch up with reading the contest entries. Your story is my first one, since I had easy access when I found it on FB this morning. I think maybe I should submit mine before reading any more, as reading your story, which is so good, has put me in self-judgment mode. I truly enjoyed reading this story it has nature, a child, a grandpa, Christmas, fun and kindness all wrapped up in 350 words or less. What’s not to love? Thanks for sharing, Joanna.
Aw, thank you so much, Alayne. I think you are right, it’s best to post one’s own story first!
Oh, Joanna, love this! Love that they thought outside the box and didn’t chop down the tree!
Thank you, Linda. I wasn’t sure which way the story was going to go until I spotted those animals in the tree! 😉
Ooo! It’s reminds me of Night Tree by Eve Bunting. I love how you kept the perfect rhyme and meter of the song while creating a fresh take on the tree-cutting tradition. Bravo!
Laura, I don’t know NIGHT TREE, so I shall be on the look out for it now. Thank you.
I loved how you combined finding the perfect tree with honoring a child’s wish not to harm the habitat of those critters that live there during the winter. Sound’s like a book to me. Beautiful rhyme and meter!
Thanks, Pat, I had thought about reworking it as a full manuscript!
Wonderful Joanna! A beautiful story, in rhyme and under 350 words? Amazing!
Lauri, I think it comes in at around 180 words, so I am well under this time!
Your story is adorable – I can picture the scenes well, and love the bit of suspense!
Thanks, Julie, I can just imagine those animals creeping out to taste the food!
Love it! Nice ending! 🙂 I thought that they were going to dig up the tree and plant it at their home. 🙂
I did at first as well, Erik, but when Granddad got to “three”, I had qnother idea!
Everyone should have a tree like yours Joanna. One that adds beauty and special treats to our furry friends in nature. Wonderful story Joanna. Just wonderful.
Pamela, thanks for your warm support. I’d like to imagine trees like this all over the country!
I love this story, Joanna! Great job.
Thank you, Carrie.
Great rhyme, Joanna…and I love the story. Stringing beans and hay…sounds delightful and so down-home country…you will start a new Martha Stewart craze in holiday crafting. 🙂 🙂
It is kinda homey, huh? 🙂
Loved this, Joanna! I found myself humming the tune while I read it. 🙂
Thank you, Candilynn.
Love this story, and the fact that it is in rhyme is just icing on the cake. How wonderful! There’s a great opportunity for illustration here, too, with the decorated tree standing out in the snow.
Thanks, Maria. Yes, I was picturing some of the illustrations as i was writing.
Joanna, this is WONDERFUL! This kinda reminds me of my family at this time of year. The rhyme is fantastical. (Wishing I could rhyme better) I truly loved reading your entry and still have a smile on my face. 🙂
Robyn, glad this reminds you of your family. 🙂
What a lovely story! I loved the description and your rhyme was right on.
Thank you, Jennifer!
Wonderful job. I love the idea of decorating the tree with food for the animals, that being the joy of Xmas.
Thanks, Dar!
This is great, Joanna! Love your real tree and the live animals. I think and agree that this is the bestest gift tree ever. 🙂
I would love to see this for real, Clar!
Oh Grandpa – how sweet are you for abandoning tradition and honoring your grandchild’s Christmas wish! Bravo Joanna!
I love their sweet relationship, too, Cathy!
Awww, how adorable. I love this. It’s a unique and heartwarming Christmas story, and the rhyming is wonderful. Thank you for sharing!
Cheryl, thank you for your kind words.
Joanna, your rhyming flows so naturally! I’m glad the animals get to experience a version of Christmas too. Beautiful.
Thanks, Anna, I guess the Christmas spirit extends to all, huh? 🙂
Fantastic idea. I think we’ll have to hang some ornaments like this on the pine tree in our backyard.
Yay, do it, Hanna!
What a fun Christmas with the animals! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
What a lovely story, Joanna! And thanks for saving the animals!
Merry Christmas!
Joanna,
I love this! I have read it several times, but am just commenting today. (It’s been an unusual two weeks to say the least!) Anyway, I can just picture the creatures looking out from the tree. Wonderful job! Congrats on the finals 🙂