Arbor Alma : By Shel Silverstein

When i was learning latin in HS i discovered that Barnes and Noble sold children's books in LATIN!  They were pricey but I managed to buy 2 of them.  Cat and the Hat, and this....Arbor Alma....The Giving Tree.  I LOVE this book as it is a simple exquisite example of our relationships with others around us sometimes, as well as God...

There once was a tree...

He would sometimes collect the tree's leaves

The boy loved the tree...

He was very much loved...

...The years passed...

Often, the tree was alone...

He took away the branches to make his little house...

Then the tree was full of joy

He took the trunk to make a little boat

Then he was obedient to sit down...

the boy loved his tree when he was young...he spent time with it and showed his love daily.  As he grew older he stopped spending time and loving his tree.  The tree gave to the boy whatever he needed and the boy was happy to take it and leave.  When the boy was old he returned and the tree still took him back, and was more than happy to do so.