The Tree Village


In the Solomon Group in the great Southern Sea,

And on Isabel Island alone,

A tree village is found, up the steep, rocky ground,

On the top of a mountain of stone.



So gigantic the trees that it is not with ease

That the houses of natives are built,

For the stems are six score of our feet, maybe more,

And you'd think they must live on a stilt.



By a ladder facade the ascent must be made,

Formed of pliable trees, or a creeper

Resembling the vine, which the natives entwine,--

And the ladder's drawn up by the sleeper;



For these houses are made but to sleep in, 'tis said,

When some enemy threatens;--to guard

'Gainst surprise in the night, they are fortified quite,

With great stones, to be thrown at a pard.



At the foot, of these trees are the day-huts for ease

And for eating and dancing and play,

Yet the huts up so high have a goodly supply

Of the needful for night or for day.



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