The Buckeye Tree, a Poem by Karl Laurent

This poem by Karl Laurent, entitled "The Buckeye Tree" appeared in volume 2 of the Ohio Magazine. A transcription of the poem reads:

THE BUCKEYE TREE

There's a lilting song in the air today,

Blithe and bonny and sweet and gay.

Afloat on the fragrant June-tide breeze.

From the deep, cool depths of the Buckeye Trees.

From the shadowy green come the amorous notes, 

Like the rippling, tender music of flutes 

Kissed by the wind. 'Neath the nodding plumes 

Is the whirring of wings 'mid the Buckeye blooms. 

There are merry sounds from over the way, 

The lightsome laughter of children at play — 

Small gods of gladness tossing in glee 

The soft, creamy blooms of the Buckeye Tree. 

There's a melody low which the soft wind weaves. 

And I list to the lure of murmuring leaves, 

Crooning and singing, 'till memories flow, 

Back to the childhood of long ago; 

Where life was laughter and drift of song,

Where love shone pure and faith held strong,

To the State called "Beautiful" christened for thee —

Hail thee, guild-brother, O Buckeye Tree!

The buckeye tree (Aesculus glabra) was named the state tree of Ohio in 1953. My parents, my grandparents, my siblings, my children and grandchildren, were all born in Ohio. My niece is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University! Chocolate Buckeye treats are among my family's favorite holiday goodies, and can I just say that I am proud to be a Buckeye! 

Image from:

Annual Report of the Commissioners of the Ohio State Library