It was a song of my youth days, sung (or spoken) by Phil Harris. He was also known for "Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette". Today I am singing the first song mentioned; "Woodman, Spare That Tree".
I am not a tree hugger. Wood products are necessary and trees are grown to be cut down just like chickens are grown to be fried. My brother-in-law, Hershel, is a tree grower. His family has been raising trees for market for generations. They almost have them named! They point out the ones to be taken and ones to be left. It is a well-run business. Trees are replaced when others are taken.
Today, across the street, is another matter. Brush and trees are coming down to be replaced with bricks and concrete. This little one-block "forest" housed a small herd of deer. Cardinals, Hummingbirds, Mockingbirds, and critters galore hung out over there. They are gone, or soon will be. So what's the big deal? The big deal is that each time another block is taken we move toward being something else as a city. While this is happening there are empty, cleared lots where Wal Mart and HEB and other businesses once located. Paving is in place. Trees are gone. What about those spots?
I know. I understand a bit about the property making money and the buyers making money from plans already laid. We have a city tree ordinance. I called today to make sure someone is at least looking in to what is going to be knocked down. Nuff said. Think I will sing.
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 his cot;
There, woodman, let it stand;
The ax shall harm it not.....
Woodman, forebear thy stroke!
Cut not it's earthbound ties;
O spare that aged oak
Now towering to the skies
Rumble, rumble, crunch, crack, rumble..... so much for that!
