Holly Ecology

(A true story ... the holly tree still remains in the author's yard. As the holly tree grew larger and larger, the ivy ground cover completely covered the ground beneath the tree. So, as the song says, it really is The Holly and the Ivy.)
(Playing ~ "The Holly and the Ivy")

Just outside my window, when it happened no one knows,
But I saw from the beginning how determined it was to grow.
A small red berry fell to the ground, most likely in the spring,
Until by fall it surely grew into the tiny thing.
Nearby, the leaves and soil gave such a cozy home
That feeling safe, it knew it was no longer alone.
All around the little plant the wildflowers were so proud,
"Here is a little holly sprout," they said,
and said it very loud.
This pleased the baby seedling as it felt the love and care,
"I think this is the place for me, this beats most anywhere!"

Open space and room to grow seemed not to be the plan.
Only the desire to live, breathe, and grow was its demand.
The years went by slowly for the little holly tree,
But they sped by, oh so quickly, for my family and me.
One day I saw the garden path a bit more crowded now.
Maybe I should cut this plant,
but the question was just how.
The dark green leaves were shining
and the branches getting tall.
How could I cut down all the hope,
why should I make it fall?
Yet why would I allow some seed I had not planted
Take a spot in my garden? On this I had not counted.

From the start of life in the bright red seed,
There were hopes and dreams of a beautiful tree.
Now that it blocked the path where I strolled
What answer was there? No one ever told.
When first I saw the pretty wee thing
I knew it should be moved;
But why must a walkway change a plant's home ...
why be rude?
I left it alone for another year and then another went by
As I waited to make up my mind. Then I let the matter lie.
To make what could be a long story short
I never moved it, did nothing of the sort.

As the tree grew up it spread joy all about.
This gift to the garden left nothing to doubt.
The birds ate the berries and on branches would sing,
Then bathe in the water of the nearby stream.
The holly is now a beautiful tree, dignified and tall.
It gives all those around a red berry show in the fall.
The family that played 'round it has grown up and gone,
They have their own holly tree in their lawn.
I still wonder what difference there would be to the land
If I had not permitted the young holly to stand.

~ by Hilna Watters Long
Reflections
Copyright © 1999
Roxboro, North Carolina

Thank you, Hilna, for allowing me to use your beautiful work !!

holly graphics by

now Country Heart Designs

I would love it if you would sign my guest book.

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