One early morn' I saw a man of eighty years or so,
Setting out a little tree, I hardly thought 'twould grow,
To furnish fruit for such a one, in years so far advanced,
But all the same he took great care to give it every chance.

I said, "My friend, why do you thus, setting out this tree,
Since, like as not the fruit it bears, you'll never live to see?"
He said, "The fruit that I have had, and do so much enjoy,
Was started by someone else, when I was just a boy.

"So, even though I'll not partake from what I plant this morn',
'Tis likely fruit will be enjoyed by someone yet unborn.
I cannot shun to do my part, and plan for those to be,
When others all along the line have planned so much for me."

—L.E.B.