The traveler walked the long, dusty trail,
His body ached, his countenance, pale,
Hoping to find a lake and a wood,
Praying that Nature, to him, might be good.
Suddenly, sprang-up two giant trees,
To the traveler they spoke, in a whispered breeze,
"We'll give you shade from the sun's hot rays.
Beneath us, you'll see Nature's magical ways!"
Their limbs became full with cool, green leaves.
From the ground, sprang-up, soft, grassy sheaves.
The traveler sat down between these two trees,
And joined with their song, in the evening breeze.
The traveler wished for a water-filled pool,
His dust-dry throat and parched lips, to cool.
Then, just as quickly as the two trees grew,
Babbled a brook of cool water, blue!
The traveler desired some food to eat.
Nature obliged with one-more magic feat.
Vegetables developed with amazing speed,
With fresh fruits for dessert, the traveler did feed.
Rested and fed, The traveler sat still,
Then, thought of just one need, yet, to fill.
"A companion, a friend, a soft-singing voice.
If this comes to pass, then my heart will rejoice!"
The traveler no sooner uttered this sound,
Then forest creatures, the trees did surround,
Bright coloured birds, with cheerful song,
Deer, chipmunks, and others to fill the day, long.
The traveler was pleased with this magical day,
And vowed to Nature he would, somehow, repay.
So, the rest of his days, the wood he did keep,
At last, 'neath his two-trees, he fell asleep.
Nature smiled down on the traveler, that night,
And bestowed upon him a wondrous light.
She changed him into a bright traveling star,
To watch over his wood, from the heavens, afar!

FROM: "Celebration of Nature" ©1990
BY: Judith M. Yerkey