When Nature Speaks
By John Herlihy

I hear forces of nature that inspire,
To imitate all the truths I admire.

Blow as the wind blows,
When forest trees are cast in turmoil.
Rise to mighty heights like the sea,
From fury Nature will never recoil.
Cry as the wind cries,
When its voice rings in protest.
Weep as the elephant weeps,
Killed for ivory and nobody noticed.

Rush ahead as the tide will rush,
Compelled by a righteous urge.
Retreat as the tide will retreat,
Dragged back from the edge in a surge.
Shine as the sun will shine,
Giving us the day as if it were mine.
Glow as the moon does glow,
Whenever you wish mercy to bestow.

Wander as the blue jay wanders,
On a distant island shore stranded.
Fly freely as the butterfly flies,
On a budding flower landed.
Look to the horizon to see
The straight line that hints of infinity.
Look to the moon in all its glory,
In orbiting our globe, it tells earth’s story.

I hear the voices of nature as they call,
They speak to me of wisdom above all.