How Much We Are the Wood We Wander In

Jennifer Paige©2004

 

 

Inspired by the line from Richard Wilbur

 

Of earth and water both our flesh is kin.
This truth of science still we do not know,
How much we are the woods we wander in.

Deep underground our common roots begin,
And back to ocean depths blood tides shall flow.
Of earth and water both our flesh is kin.

Leaves and petals, like sunlight touching skin,
We find the things tree brothers do to grow.
How much we are these woods we wander in.

The silver backs of dolphins form the Yin;
Yang: the sickled sable wings of crows.
Of earth and water both our flesh is kin.

To venerate the land, our spheric twin,
Good stewards to the world ourselves we owe.
How much we are the woods we wander in.

Desecrate raging stream and lush meadow,
Profane our sacred home and live in woe:
Of earth and water both our flesh is kin;
So much we are the woods we wander in.

 

 

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