To Protect and Defend
Oh, how happy we should be,
That we have shade under a tree.
Shade that reduces bills,
And also produces chills.
We can’t relax,
We’ve been given this task.
To protect and defend,
Just like a dear friend.
Oh how grateful we should be,
For the oxygen that we breathe.
Trees produce that you know,
That and refine H2O.
Now take a breath,
And take this test.
To protect and defend,
Just like a dear friend.
Oh, how surprised we should be,
That someone wouldn’t love trees.
When life seems all a mess,
Trees reduce stress.
So once again,
We must begin,
To protect and defend,
Just like a dear friend.
Oh how relieved we should be,
They ask so little these majestic trees,
Water if needed once in a while,
On their roots don’t place a pile.
All they would ask,
Since you’ve taken the task,
To protect and defend,
Just like a dear friend.
Oh, how honored we should be,
That we hold positions that help the trees.
Help them we must,
They’ve given us their trust.
They have no voice,
And we have made that choice.
To protect and defend,
Just like a dear friend.
—Susan J. Henson, Horticulturist/Arborist, City of Grand Prairie, Parks and Recreation
