Giving tree

 Posted by Ravenous Butterflies

"...And after a long time the boy came back again.

"I am sorry, Boy," said the tree, "but I have nothing left to 

give you-

My apples are gone."

"My teeth are took weak for apples," said the boy.

"My branches are gone," said the tree.

"I am too old to swing on branches," said the boy.

"My trunk is gone," said the tree.

"You cannot climb-"

"I am too tired to climb," said the boy.

"I am sorry," said the tree.

"I wish that I could give you something...but I have nothing

left. I am an old stump. I am sorry..."

"I don't need very much now," said the boy, "just a quiet

place to sit and rest. I am very tired."

"Well," said the tree, straightening himself up as much as

she could,

"well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come,

Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest."

And the boy did.

And the tree was happy."

~Shel Silverstein - The Giving Tree, 1964