The Tree that Shaded Me

I did not plant the tree that shaded me.
It was one of many that I sought.
When another boy hit or berated me,
It would shelter and would judge me not.

I did not tend the tree that shaded me.
It arrived with the house I bought.
Alas, the shading ended suddenly,
When storms within its canopy had caught.

The trees, and other flora, carefully
Are to be tenderly cared for, not
Taken for granted nor presumed to be
Mere resources, as children should be taught.