According to the description on the back of this postcard, this Prayer of the Woods sign dedicated to our forests was (is?) located in Silver Gate, Montana at the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
The author of this prayer is unknown, but it is "from the Portuguese." The words on this sign appear to have an error. It probably should say "timber that builds your boat," not "timber that holds your boat."
The author of this prayer is unknown, but it is "from the Portuguese." The words on this sign appear to have an error. It probably should say "timber that builds your boat," not "timber that holds your boat."
THE PRAYER OF THE WOODS
I am the heat 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 of 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, and the shell of your coffin.
I am the bread of kindness and the flower of beauty. Ye who pass by, listen to my prayer: Harm me not.
What a marvelous way to tell visitors to love and take care of the woods.
ReplyDeletewhat a nice sign. is it still hter?
ReplyDeleteA lovely sign and lovely verse. Such a nice way to tell people to take care of our earth. I hope it IS still there.
ReplyDeleteImportant reminder for all of us to be good stewards and take care of our forests!
ReplyDeletethis is far nicer than a list of do's and don't's
ReplyDeleteFood for thought!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sentiment, hope it is still there. Worth putting on all our woods.
ReplyDeleteStudents used to learn the Golden Rule when I was going to school. Now I think they need to learn this from memory. If everyone took this prayer to heart, our native lands would remain so beautiful. Thanks for a wonderful sign this week. Genie
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful sign. People should take care of the woods and the inhabitants living in there. Happy thursday!
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it's a beautiful prayer. a great find for Signs.
ReplyDeleteThere was a sign with the same prayer in the Greenwood Conservation Area. Located in Ajax, Ontario the sign was in the woods. Unfortunately it has long disappeared. Thanks for the memories.
ReplyDeleteA Human Warmth Most Rare In Official Signs.
ReplyDeleteWonderful - these should be at the entrance to every forest and woodland!
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