Woodman, Spare That Tree

Lyrics

[Spoken Intro] Given the need we have To think of preserving All the beauty that has been given to us I am drawn to this poem "Woodman, Spare That Tree" By George P. Morris [Spoken Poem] Woodman, spare that tree! Touch not a single bough! In youth it sheltered me And I'll protect it now 'Twas my forefather's hand That placed it near this cot; There, woodman, let it stand Thy axe shall harm it not That old familiar tree Whose glory and renown Are spread o'er land and sea-- And wouldst thou hew it down? Woodman, forebear thy stroke! Cut not its earth-bound ties; Oh, spare that aged oak Now towеring to the skies! When but an idlе boy I sought its grateful shade; In all their gushing joy Here, too, my sisters played My mother kissed me here; My father pressed my hand-- Forgive this foolish tear But let that old oak stand My heart-strings round thee cling Close as thy bark, old friend! Here shall the wild-bird sing And still thy branches bend Old tree! the storm still brave! And, woodman, leave the spot; While I've a hand to save Thy axe shall harm it not