Pacific Rainforest Wildlife Guardian
Writings of Chief Dan George
There is a Longing among all People
and creatures to have a sense of purpose and worth.
To satisfy that common longing in all of us we must respect
each other.
In the olden times man and creatures
walked as friends
who carried the beauty of the land in their hearts.
Now each one of us is needed to make sure
the Salmon can find a place to spawn
and the Bear cub a tree to climb.
There is little time left and much effort needed!
* * *
If you talk to animals they will talk with you
and you will know each other.
If you do not talk to them you will not know them,
and what you do not know you will fear.
What one fears one destroys.
* * *
The time will soon be here
when my grandchild
will long for the cry of a Loon,
the flash of a Salmon,
the whisper of Spruce needles,
or the screech of an Eagle.
But he will not
make friends with any of these creatures
and when his heart
aches with longing he will curse me.
Have I done all to keep the air fresh?
Have I cared enough about the water?
Have I left the Eagle to sour in freedom?
Have I done everything I could to earn my grandchild’s fondness?
* * *
