The Standing People

The standing people of the forest glen
Deep-running roots that remember when
Water and thunder and the songs of the birds
Were the only music the world had heard

Shade for thinkers fruit to tempt seekers
Hatching ideas and feeding believers
The Buddha and Newton Judas and Jesus
Beginnings and endings joyous and grievous

Silent until lifted up by the wind
But if you could talk where to begin
Songs are made by fools like me
But only God can make a tree

Paper for poets violins not yet made
The cycle of life from acorn to grave
You’re born anew In the spring and the fall
You took all our bullets but outlived us all

Silent until lifted up by the wind
But if you could talk where to begin
Songs are made by fools like me
But only God can make a tree

A thousand years fall to the blade
For towers and temples, trestles and trade
You understand the need to go on
And if we keep going soon you’ll be gone

Silent until lifted up by the wind
But if you could talk where to begin
Songs are made by fools like me
But only God can make a tree

Silent until lifted up by the wind
But if you could talk where to begin
Songs are made by fools like me
But only God can make a tree
Only God can make a tree