1 Creative God, you spread the earth
with life in many forms:
the deer and elk and columbine,
the bee in humming swarms.
Forgive us for each flower and bird
now vanished by our hand.
Teach us to treat with loving care
the creatures of the land.
2 The planet teemed with living things
before all human birth,
and even fire and beasts of prey
renewed the life of earth.
Forgive us, that, the last to come,
we threaten sea and air.
Teach us to tend life's fragile web
with wise and tender care.
3 O playful God, you fill the field
with lavender and blue.
You paint the bird with indigo,
with red or tawny hue.
Forgive us that we grieve your heart,
destroying what you do,
and teach us simpler, gentler ways
to live on earth with you.
