To save the planet from present practices of destruction.
To find and re-employ real truth.
To promote true balance between both genders.
To share and be less materialistic.
To become rid of prejudice.
To learn to be related.
To be kind to animals and take no more than we need.To play with one's children and love each equally and fairly.
To be brave and courageous, enough so,
to take a stand and make a commitment.
To understand what Generations Unborn really means.
To accept the Great Mystery
in order to end foolish argument over religion.
~Ed McGaa, Eagle Man~
Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect.
Let us greet the dawn of a new day
Remain close to the Great Spirit.
Show great respect for your fellow beings.
Work together for the benefit of all Mankind.
Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.
Do what you know to be right.
Look after the well being of mind and body.
Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good.
Be truthful and honest at all times.
Take full responsibility for your actions.
when all can live as one with nature
and peace reigns everywhere.
Oh Great Spirit, bring to our brothers
the wisdom of Nature and the knowledge
that if her laws are obeyed
this land will again flourish
and grasses and trees will grow as before.
Guide those that through their councils
seek to spread the wisdom of their leaders to all people.
Heal the raw wounds of the earth
and restore to our soul the richness
which strengthens men's bodies
and makes them wise in their councils.
Bring to all the knowledge that great cities
live only through the bounty
of the good earth beyond their paved streets
and towers of stone and steel.
~Jasper Saunkeah, Cherokee~
Once there was a tree
and she loved a little boy
And every day the little boy came
and he would gather her leaves
and make them into crowns
and play king of the forest
He would climb up her trunk
and swing from her branches
and eat apples.
And they would play hide-and-go-seek
And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade
And the little boy loved the tree....very much
And the tree was happyBut time went by and the boy grew older
And the tree was often alone.
Then on day the boy came to the tree
and the tree said, "Come, Boy, come and climb up
my trunk and swing from my branches and be happy."
"I am to big to climb and play." said the boy.
"I want to buy things and have fun.
I want some money, can you give me some money?"
"I'm sorry," said the tree, "but I have no money.
I have only leaves and apples,
Take my apples, Boy, and sell them in the city.
Then you will have money and you will be happy.
And so the boy climed up the tree and gathered her
apples and carried them away.....And the tree was happy
But the boy stayed away for a long time...and the tree was sad.
And then one day the boy came back and the tree shook with joy
and she said, "Come. Boy, climb up my trunk and swing
from my branches and be happy."
"I am to busy to climb trees." said the boy.
"I want a house to keep me warm." he said.
"I want a wife and children, and so I need a house.
Can you give me a house?"
"I have no house," said the tree.
"The forest is my house, but you may cut off my
branches and build a house. Then you will be happy."
And so the boy cut off her branches
and carried them away to build his house
And the tree was happy.
But the boy stayed away for a long time
And when he came back, the tree was so happy
she could hardly speak
"Come, Boy," she wispered, "come and play."
"I am to old and sad to play," said the boy
"I want a boat that will take me far away from here.
Can you give me a boat?"
"Cut down my trunk and make a boat," said the tree
"Then you can sail away....and be happy."
And so the boy cut down her trunk
and made a boat and sailed away.
And the tree was happy....but not really.
And after a long time the boy came back again.
"I am sorry, Boy," said the tree, "but I have nothing left to give you-
My apples are gone."
"My teeth are too weak for apples," said the boy
"My branches are gone," said the tree. "you cannot swing on them-"
"I am to old to swing on branches,"said the boy.
"My trunk is gone," said the tree. "you cannot climb-"
"I am to tired to climb," said the boy.
"I am sorry," sighed the tree
"I wish that I could give you something....
but I have nothing left.
I am just an old stump. I am sorry....
"I don't need very much now," said the boy,
"just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired."
"Well," said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could,
"Well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting.
Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest."
And the boy did......
And the tree was happy.
Copyright © 1964 by Shel Silverstein
We leave behind....
~Dakota proverb~
