Growing up in the forest

The pleasure of work
that produces the things we need.
The joy of the skill
of our hands and of tools well-made.
The intricate knowledge
of complex manual tasks
that look quite simple when
you master methods and risks.

Learning about plant and animal life,
the actions of people, the impact of weather.
Caring well for the habitat of each creature,
the plants, the soil and the water itself.
Living by slow cycles of growth and decay,
planning for 10,000 years, not just a day.

... moist green dark
changing
light shade
old young
growing dying
intricate web
constantly renewing ...

But after much experience and reflection outside,
he came to understand that all too many people in power
in the government and universities
carry a prejudice against the natural world -
and also against the past,
against history.

(for Gary Snyder)