Standing sentry at the entrance of a nature trail at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park in Florida, a plaque reads:
Prayer of the Woods
I am the heart of your hearth on the
cold winter nights, the friendly shade
screening you from the summer sun,
and my fruits are refreshing draughts,
quenching your thirst as you journey on.
I am the beam that holds your house,
the board on 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, the shell of your coffin.
I am the bread of kindness and the flower
of beauty. Ye who pass by,
Harm me not.
Anonymous
Those of us who live in South Georgia would add that the woods also afford us pulp and paper, including this newspaper we are now reading. And the poet did not mention the bounties from the photosynthesis process which not only gives trees energy, but also absorbs dangerous carbon dioxide and emit precious oxygen, thus protecting the environment.
As I first read this poem, then later copied it, I was struck by the first few words, “I am the heart of your hearth...” What a reminder for Valentine’s Day which we often fill with sweet nothings: candy, flowers, jewelry to express our love. Don’’t get me wrong. I love the frilly Valentine’s cards. I can never pass up a piece of candy. Flowers should be given to the living.
But do we take time to appreciate the good qualities of our loved ones, not just our sweetheart? Do we tell them often enough? Do we thank them for their kindnesses, their good humor, their attentiveness, their sweet smiles, their energy, their appreciation of life itself?
Oh yes, are we, ourselves, kind enough, do we laugh at the right, not inappropriate, times, do we listen not only to the words, but also the way they are spoken or left unspoken? Do we smile often, do we actively work to make relationships good, do we also appreciate life?
Consider creating your own verse of appreciation, A Prayer for Valentine’s Day. Then list the specific attributes of each loved one, putting aside for the time being, all faults. Those are all too noticeable and usually pointed out countless times. Tuck this expression of gratitude in with your gift of love.
As I was thinking of Valentine’s Day in reading this poem, the last line, “Harm me not” also took on new meaning. The poet, in enticing the readers to appreciate all of the gifts from trees, also reminds us not to start wildfires, not to damage the growth and undergrowth, not to cut a tree just because “it is there.”
But on Valentine’s Day, we must do more than refrain from harming our loved ones. Remember the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
In many other cultures, their Golden Rule is one of mere refrain. “Do not do unto others as you would not have them do unto you.” If you don’t hurt me, I won’t retaliate. For Valentine’s Day, that is not good enough.
Our adage goes a step further. It advocates that we actively seek ways to “do good” not only to those we love, but also to all we encounter. What a charge.
As the poet enumerates: a tree is more than just a tree.
Likewise, love is more than just a feeling.
2008
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