"Harm Me Not"

"The Star" Johannesburg Tuesday August 11th 1959 "Readers' views"
"The highveld needs the right trees"

Excerpt of letter to the editor written by B Powrie - Florida

"In parks and open spaces in Portugal this inscription is displayed:

"Ye who would pass by and raise your hand against me,
hearken ere ye harm me.
"I am the heat of your hearths on the cold winter nights,
the friendly shade screening you from the summer sun;
and my fruits are refreshing draughts quenching your thirst as you journey on.
"I am the beam that holds your house,
the board of your table,
the bed on which you lie,
the timber that builds your boat.
"I am the handle of your hoe,
the door of your homestead,
the wood of your cradle
and the shell of your coffin.
"I am the gift of God and the friend of man.
"Ye who pass by listen to my prayer - harm me not."