B.J. Packard Poem: Far West Tree

Photo: Volunteers - Joan Vance and Carol Reith from 4-H show off handcrafted ornaments made by Washington state school children for the 2006 Capitol Christmas Tree. Washington Ornaments Campaign

Far West Tree

Among the lower hills
Stretching almost to the sea
Lies a valley
Holding the Wynooche River

This was home
To this Pacific Silver Fir.

She was tall and elegant.
Today she is grand.
In a different way.

Throughout Washington State
She has traveled
And been admired,
Announcing her destination.

Today it is our turn.
We admire you,
Our special Pacific Silver Fir
Our Capitol Christmas tree
Lovely in all ways.

B.J. Packard


Photo: Deborah Larsen - USFS holds a handcrafted ornament.

B.J. Packard Poem: On Your Way

Photo: Kellie Hamilton - USFS. The Washington State Grange (Olympia) graciously allowed us to utilize their conference room to store, sort, and package all student ornaments for Washington D.C.


On Your Way

I came to see you.
Three people escorted me
To your growing place.

How did it begin, I wondered?
Here between the boulder and old stump
Now in shreds.

How many years did it take you
To grow those 64 feet?
They wanted 80.

Man is seldom patient.
The Christmas season happens each year
Even this one.

This country
Has called you
To be its symbol.

The strong men of the woods
Will come Nov. 1st
To pull the line
To start their never-ending dagger teeth.

You’ll leave your home ground
And 30 times you’ll be praised, sung to and admired
As you pass through this state – on your way.

School children already may be
Making the ornaments which will catch the lights
That will be set aglow December 6th

I will always remember you
Strong, tall, regal
And lovely

B.J. Packard


Photo: Diane Rubiaco - USFS. Dan Hammork (WA Grange Communications Director) coordinated the collection of over 4,000 ornaments from students throughout Washington State.

B.J. Packard Poem: Transforming

Photo: Linda Eng - Volunteer.

Transforming

Song to an Olympic National Forest Tree

Transforming is part of life
We laugh, cry and carry on each day
Which will eventually or soon
Be our last day.

Expressing the most of our potential
Is the business end of living

Where once you stood
Among other of your kind
Providing us with
Oxygen and Beauty.

Today a new breath of life is manifest
As you stand tall
Our Capitol’s Christmas Tree
Lights and ornaments
Share in your Transformation

B.J Parkard


Photo: Ornaments. Students from around the state created over 3,000 beautifully handcrafted ornaments that are used to decorate the 65 Companion Trees, provided to state and national offices, or used at other related events in Washington State.