Ode to Rainforest (fwd)

[Joe Laferriere]

>From: Neal Evenhuis <neale at bishop.bishop.Hawaii.Org>
>To: Joe Laferriere <josephl at CCIT.ARIZONA.EDU>
>Cc: Multiple recipients of list TAXACOM <TAXACOM at cmsa.Berkeley.EDU>>
>
>Joe,
>
>Can you repost that "Ode to the Rainforest" that you did last year? I've
>lost my copy and I think others (especially new subscribers to TAXACOM)
>would be interested in seeing it again. That was one of the most
>impressive things I've seen from you on the net. Thanks,
>
>Neal

Neal -- I'll take this as a very nice compliment on my composition, rather
than a complaint about my other messages. At any rate, here it is.
Joe

ODE TO THE RAINFOREST

Words by Joseph E. Laferriere
Music by Ludwig van Beethoven

Words copyright (c) 1990 by author


Celebrate the lush rainforest
And the creatures living there!
Smell the orchids, hear the quetzals,
Feel the raindrops cleanse the air.
Giant teak trees reaching skyward
Turning leaves up towards the sun.
Birds and monkeys live in treetops,
Feeding, caring for their young.
Butterflies drink deep with nectar;
Rivers flow out toward the sea.
Fruits abound in this, the home
Of much of life's diversity.

Celebrate the verdant forest
And the peoples living there!
Hear the sound of joy and love
As children's laughter fills the air.
Darts from blowguns bring home food
While shamans cure with ancient means.
Thus the bounty of the forest
Nurtures life and hopes and dreams.
Chants and drumbeats signal persuit
Of happiness and love of life.
Parents teach their children love
And wish peace free from want and strife.

Celebrate the vast rainforest,
Home to wondrous unknown life!
Share the earth with all our neighbors.
Life is every species' right.
Forest formed through countless eons,
Home to creatures great and small.
May it last for eons longer,
Source of awe for one and all.
Nature's beauty transcends boundaries
Built by mindless greed and war.
Cherish and protect the forest!
May it bloom forever more!