Today's Earth Prayer

[willowoak]

I want to lie down in dappled leaf-shade,

In quivering shadows of quivering leaves—

        be they oak, be they maple,

        be they elm or birch,

I want to rest in the play of shadows

        over my reclining form,

The massage of shadows

        which consoles me in its way,

Restores for me

        with whatever restoration

Flickering shadows of leaves afford—

        be they willow or aspen,

        be they poplar or beech,

I want to be caressed by shadows

        of wavering leaves,

Soothed off to sleep

        feeling the gentle breeze,

Looking up at the rustling

        sun-drenched crown—

Be it basswood, be it chestnut,

Be it walnut or hickory,

        after all is said,

        after all is done.

This is the way

I would die.

 

        –Antler