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Trillium
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0 posted 2008-01-01 08:54 PM






The Shoe Tree

I came upon a curious sight
Out in the woods; try as I might,
I couldn't understand just why
Shoes were nailed to a tree nearby.
It was a giant evergreen
And in its branches too, were seen,
Shoes, boots, sandals, left behind
For hiking folks like me, to find.

Some of them were old and gray.
A lot of time has passed away
Since they were put there. Some were new.
I even found a baby's shoe.
It was pink with toe a-curl,
So must have been a little girl.
I walked around the trunk to see
This source of curiosity.

How many years this fad's been growing,
I simply had no way of knowing.
I took some pictures I could show
To all the people that I know
To prove to them that I did see
This very large and odd, shoe tree!
I later learned its history
And how this relic came to be.

Long years ago, a fire ran
Through this country; every man
Able to help fight it, came.
This tee was saved and so it's name,
"Shoe Tree" is in memory
Of many acts of bravery.
Each one, before he left the scene,
Nailed worn out boots, to show he'd been
Part of this heroic crew
And so today, people still do
To show respect and honor men
Who saved the tree, away back then.


Betty Lou Hebert

© Copyright 2008 Betty Lou Hebert - All Rights Reserved
Joyce Johnson
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Washington State
1 posted 2008-01-01 10:42 PM


A wonderful story, well told.  Love, Joyce
Trillium
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2 posted 2008-01-02 06:30 PM


Dear Joyce:

Thanks for reading. It was a sight to see! I liked the story behind it.

Love
Betty Lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Margherita
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since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
3 posted 2008-01-03 01:31 PM


Dear Betty Lou, I enjoyed this write. I would have been surprised just like you to see this shoe tree.

Love,
Margherita

Trillium
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4 posted 2008-01-04 03:36 PM


Margerita:  Thanks for reading. It was indeed a surprise but nice that people are still remembering what happened at that spot
so many years ago.

Love
Betty lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Beasley
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since 2003-11-28
Posts 682
Cheboygan,MI USA
5 posted 2008-01-06 03:39 PM


What a fascinating story. I was waiting for elves.
Love, Barb

Trillium
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6 posted 2008-01-06 08:01 PM


Hi Barb:

I was so amazed at seeing that tree!  It's so far away from everything and everybody.
I guess many people have made the trip to see it and leave their contribution!

Thanks for reading.

Love
Betty Lou

Betty Lou Hebert

koolasvegan
New Member
since 2008-01-18
Posts 1

7 posted 2008-01-18 02:00 PM


This was a wonderful little poem and I am so glad that you found that curious tree. Hope to read more poetry from you soon.
Trillium
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8 posted 2008-01-18 02:12 PM


koolasvegan:  Thank you for your nice remarks about this poem. Also, welcome to this site and will watch for your work.

Trillium

Betty Lou Hebert

Artic Wind
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since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080
Realm of Supernatural
9 posted 2008-02-03 02:23 PM


Interesting Story

ARCTIC WIND

Marge Tindal
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10 posted 2008-02-03 02:55 PM



BettyLou~
I am SO glad this came around again~
I recall that you had posted it the night
before I was to have my eye surgery
and I wasn't able to respond at that time~

Then I remembered that you had sent me a photo that you had taken of that 'Shoe Tree'~

Today, I found it and wanted to add it here so that others could see the uniqueness of that tree~

I, personally, adore the entire story~
Thank you for sharing something that we
wouldn't have 'seen' without your poetic eyes~



*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~
Email -         noles1@totcon.com     

Martie
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California
11 posted 2008-02-03 04:34 PM


What a wonderful story, and well written poem.  I love the thought of the tree, and Marge's added photo, made it even more real.
sandgrain
Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662
Sycamore, IL, USA
12 posted 2008-02-03 05:18 PM


A unique memorial of the many who've contributed their footwear.  Your poem conveys the tenderness and history so well.

The picture you'd taken that Marge added is a super visual aid.

Thank you both for sharing this.

God bless,
  Rae

Titia Geertman
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since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands
13 posted 2008-02-03 05:42 PM


What a lovely story. So those brave men who saved the tree, left on bare foot?

Great idea and great poem.

Like scattered leaves...my words will flow

Trillium
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14 posted 2008-02-03 07:46 PM


Arctic Wind:  Thank you for reading and glad you found the story behind the poem interesting.

Betty Lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Trillium
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15 posted 2008-02-03 07:48 PM


Dear Marge:

Thank you so much for posting the picture I took of the "Shoe Tree". It adds a lot to the poem for people to be able to see what it looks like. I found it so interesting that after all these years, people are still leaving shoes there as a memorial.

Love
Betty lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Trillium
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16 posted 2008-02-03 07:49 PM


Martie:  I am grateful to Marge for posting the picture, so people can see what the tree looks like. She is noted for doing things like that!! Thanks for reading and commenting.

Betty Lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Trillium
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17 posted 2008-02-03 07:52 PM


Dear Rae:  Thank you for reading and I appreciate your comments. Glad you enjoyed the poem and the picture Marge was kind enough to post.

Love
Betty Lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Trillium
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18 posted 2008-02-03 07:54 PM


Titia:  Thank you for reading!  The men who went into the wilderness to fight fires generally took extra shoes or boots with them, knowing one pair would be ruined, at least.

Glad you enjoyed the poem

Love
Betty Lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Betty
Senior Member
since 2002-08-13
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Virginia
19 posted 2008-02-03 08:10 PM


What a lovely poem & I'm so glad Marge posted a picture of the tree. It is very unique.
MGROVES
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20 posted 2008-02-04 01:15 AM


Beautiful. I once went to lassen park, and on way home me and my ex passed a shoe tree, not nailed on like that, but hanging on all the branches. so we added our to it. i do have a pic, when i find it i shall show you.

My spirit will rise
above the sea~
There will be no drowning
of my soul or me~

latearrival
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since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
21 posted 2008-02-04 03:17 AM


Betty Lou, thank you for bringing this story to our blue pages. I had never heard of it.The nice poem you wrote made it all the more special.The photograph you took and sent to Marge just brightened the day. Thank you both for sharing this. "late"
Misty Lilacs
Senior Member
since 2005-11-15
Posts 1060
White Birch Forest
22 posted 2008-02-04 10:27 AM


What an interesting story told by a wonderful writer and story teller. I have never heard of a 'shoe tree' so I learned something fascinating this morning. I love the picture also.

hugs Marti

Trillium
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23 posted 2008-02-04 04:13 PM


Betty:  Thank you for commenting on this poem. I was so glad Marge posted my picture too as it made the poem more interesting. It is hard for people to vizualise what I was writing about without that picture.

Betty Lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Trillium
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24 posted 2008-02-04 11:14 PM


MGROVES:  I hae been to Lassen Park but it was many years ago and I didn't see the shoe tree. Either in the wrong part of the park or it was before it came along. It must be 40 years ago!

Glad you enjoyed the poem and hope you can find the picture of yours.

Betty Lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Trillium
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25 posted 2008-02-04 11:15 PM


latearrival:  Glad you enjoyed this poem and the story behind it. Nice to hear from you.

Betty Lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Trillium
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26 posted 2008-02-04 11:16 PM


Marti:  Thanks for your nice comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the poem.

Betty Lou

Betty Lou Hebert

hoot_owl_rn
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Glen Hope, PA USA
27 posted 2008-02-06 08:33 AM


What a wonderful story and poem
Ruth

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