The Willow and the Alder

THE WILLOW, THE ALDER (& We) The Willow and the Alder choose to stay By river bank and margin of the lake Their roots, content, submersed, will thus defray A thirst, to take libation and to slake The Alder and companion the Willow Endure when others suffer, drown or wither In time of drought or when the waters billow Embrace each challenge, full, no flinch nor quiver Thus life will self adapt, on many roads To satisfy imperative: Survive! Whilst we take other paths, in different modes And change: not selves, but world in which we strive In brotherhood: with nature’s adaptation Our God within decrees divine creation