HOW THE LEAVES CAME DOWN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VI, Issue 26, 28 June 1890, Page 18

HOW THE LEAVES CAME DOWN.

‘ I 1 'EI.I. you how the leaves came down. The great Tree to his children said. ‘ You're getting sleepy. Yellow and Brown Yes. very sleepy, little Beil. It is quite time you went to l>ed.’ * Ah,' l>egged each silly, pouting leaf. ‘ Let us a little longer stay. Dear Father Tree, behold our grief ; Tis such a pleasant day We do not want to go away.' So just for one more meriy day To the great Tree the leaflets clung— Frolicked and danced and had their way, l'j>on the autumn breezes swung, \\ hispering all their sports among. ■ Perhaps the great Tree will forget. And let us stay until the spring. If we all beg and coax ami fret.' But the great Tree did no such thing : He smiled to hear their whispering. •Come, children, all to bed !' he cried ; And ere the leaves could urge their prayer He shook his head, and far and wide, Fluttering and rustling everywhere, Down sped the leaflets through the air. I saw them. <>n the ground they lay, Golden and red, a huddled swarm. Waiting till one from far away, White bed-clothes heaped upon her aim, Should come to wrap them safe and warm. The great bare Tree looked down ami smiled ‘ Hood-night, dear little leaves,' he said : Ami from below each sleepy child Replied, ‘ Good-night,’ and murmured ‘ It is so nice to go to l>ed !'