Earth Day 2009
This is a poetic interpretation by David Wagoner of a Northwest Native American parable. It is the answer that would be offered to a young person who has asked a tribal elder what to do if they become lost in the woods. Click the play button to hear the poem.
LOST
by David Wagoner
Stand still,
the trees ahead and bushes beside you are not lost.
Wherever you are is called ‘here’,
and you must treat it like a powerful stranger,
ask permission to know it, and be known.
Listen – the forest breathes, it whispers
I have made this place around you,
if you leave it, you may come back again, saying ‘Here’.
No two trees are the same to a raven,
no two branches the same to a wren.
If what a tree or a branch does is lost on you,
then, you are surely lost.
Stand still, the forest knows where you are,
you must let it
find you.
In other words what David is saying is that where ever you are if you are feeling lost in any way just “Be still and know. Be still and know.” From that stillness the answers will come; you can never be lost.
I will also take this opportunity to announce that a new family has moved in next door to us. It’s just wonderful I sit at my desk in through the window I can see them stand on their rooftop and sing they’re happy songs! Click the link below to see a photo of these new neighbors, I think they’re planning on raising a family in their new home.
See photos below:
