Over in the meadow, Where the clear pools shine, "We croak," said the nine. So they croaked and they splashed - OLIVE A. WADSWORTH. THE DANCE OF THE MAPLE KEYS maple keys lawn delight Why, what are these? They are a party of happy maple keys. See them dancing with glee on a snowy lawn. They are standing on their heads with delight. What has made them so happy, do you say? Just what makes us happy to-day. Spring is coming, coming, coming. The sun is taking off winter's snow blanket. He has told the good news to the birds and the seeds and the roots. And they are all coming in answer to his call. STORY OF THE MAPLE KEYS 179 But what are the maple keys thinking about? Perhaps about the beautiful grove they hope to become. Perhaps about the tree mother that they have left. Perhaps about the southwest wind and the warm rain. For these will help them to grow. And perhaps they are just happy, without thinking about it at all. The flowers, too, are very handsome. It is the red maple which has flowers like coral. "The maples crimson to a coral reef," said Mr. Lowell. After a time the flowers of all maples turn to fruit. This is a maple fruit. And inside are the two twin maple babies. Many times I have seen the twins swinging in the tree. THE MAPLE FRUITS AGAIN 181 "Dear mother tree, let us go. "We want to try our wings. "We wish to be trees ourselves." But the mother tree would not let them go. "Not yet," she said. "Wait until you are older and stronger. "Wait until I have given you plenty of food. "Then, when you are quite ready, I will let you go.' THE MAPLE FRUITS AGAIN journeys separated discouraged At last the mother tree had done all that she could. The twins were full grown. Their seed leaves were thick with food. The babies were well covered up in their little cradles. One day the west wind carried off some of the twins. 66 Now," they said, "we can begin to be trees." "Sun and rain, help us to grow!" they cried. But the sun only smiled. And the rain wept. |