Woodman, Spare That Tree

[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