PRAYER OF THE WOODS

I am the heat of your hearth on the cold

winter nights, the friendly shade screening you

from the summer sun, and my fruits are refreshing,

quenching your thirst as you journey on.

I am the beam that holds your house,

the board of your table, the bed on which you lie,

and the timber that builds your boat.

I am the handle of your hoe,

the door of your homestead, the wood of your cradle,

and the shell of your coffin.

I am the bread of kindness

and the flower of beauty.

Ye who pass by, listen to my prayer:

HARM ME NOT.

(author unknown)