J. Patrick Lewis: "Make the Earth Your Companion"

             

Make the Earth your companion.                 

Walk lightly on it, as other creatures do.

Let the Sky paint her beauty—she is always watching over you.

Learn from the Sea how to face harsh forces.

Let the River remind you that everything will pass.

Let the Lake instruct you in stillness.

Let the Mountain teach you grandeur.

Make the Woodland your house of peace.

Make the Rainforest your house of hope.

Meet the Wetland on twilight ground.

Save some small piece of Grassland for a red kite on a windy day.

Watch the Icecaps glisten with crystal majesty.

Hear the Desert whisper hush to eternity.

Let the Town weave a small basket of togetherness.

Make the Earth your companion.

Walk lightly on it, as other creatures do.

"Make the Earth Your Companion" by J. Patrick Lewis, from National Geographic's Book of Animal Poetry: 200 Poems with Photographs that Squeak, Soar, and Roar! Edited by J. Patrick Lewis. © National Geographic Children's Books, 2012.  

Photography credit: "Walking on Water," by Mike Moruzi (originally color).