Almost every year I post this poem written by my father and based on our youthful experiences in Twin Falls, Idaho heading to the South Hills to cut down our Christmas tree. Enjoy.

THE FAMILY TREE

Dec 6, 1975-Art Selin

A few years back, my kids and me
Went out to cut our Christmas tree.
The kids soon tired and turned to play
While Dad kept slogging on his way.
I muttered some, without much glee
“A Forester needs a perfect tree.
No crooks or sweeps or by bugs beaten,
Or one which porcupines have eaten.
No runty, shunty, grunty logs,
Or branchless, topless, dingy dogs.
Just one over which all folks will fawn
Sharp enough for the White House lawn.

So for this perfect tree I peered.
Through umpteen miles I reeled and veered
Till the truth struck me with Christmas chimes
Ding Dong, there ain’t no sexy lodgepole pines!
And after searching near and far,
The best, of course,