"The Black Walnut Tree" By: Mary Oliver

I can associate with the author because my yard is full of black Walnut trees.  I just assumed almost every one had at least one nut tree either walnut or pecan or chestnut but I guess not. My dad often debates about cutting them down but they are good shade, and keep the excessive amount of squirrels out of our chicken feed. When I was little my best friend and neighbor picked up more than three shopping carts full. We put them in a giant bag to take to my grandma for whatever she could think of to make out o all those nuts.  They are good shade up until the fall when the nuts start falling then look out, because most of the nuts are the size of a golf ball to about the size of a baseball. It is also funny when the outer shell starts rotting because that is where the black color comes from. and it is more of a yellowish brown if you accidentally step on one barefoot or your dog rolls in them.