The Prayer of the Trees

A while back, I had a chance to visit the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for the day with a good friend. It was one of my favorite days of all time. If you haven’t been there, it is a true gem of an offering in our beautiful state, especially as we get into the spring bloom season. It has miles of hiking trails, flowers, and designated areas with many types of trees. One of the most memorable things we saw was a small building that had an interesting wall with the following words:

Ye who pass here,

And would raise a hand against us,

Heed well our prayer,

Before you harm us.

We are…

The fuel for your fires on cold nights,

And the friendly shade protecting you from the sun.

Our fruits are the refreshments to quench your thirst.

And cheer you as you journey on.

We are…

The handles of your hoes,

The gates of your homes,

The woof of your cradles,

The shells of your coffins.

We are the flowers of beauty

And bread of kindness for the benefit of all.

We are…

The rafters of your roots,

The bodies of your boats,

The seats of your stools,

And the boards of your beds.

We are…

The saviors of your sail,

From loss by rain and wind

And to your soil,

We give richness and life.

Ye who pass by,

Listen to our prayer,

And harm us not.

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