Who claims to own this piece of land?

Who holds its title deeds?

Who thinks it is their private space

To meet their selfish needs?

Though deeds are signed and funds transferred

No ownership is ours,

For we have failed to take account

Of nature’s fiery powers.

With angry face the river comes

And sweeps the land away;

There in the muddy water’s swirl

Lies Nature’s final say.

When we think we control the world,

Or even part of space,

Let us remember Nature’s ways

Control the human race.

How easily we all forget

That God-in-Nature rules

The ecosystem of this Earth

With all the life it pools.

O God who gives us land to share

With all that moves and lives

May we embrace true stewardship

Of all that Nature gives.

Alternative Tune: ELLACOMBE, 86.86 D version

Text and Music © William Livingstone Wallace.

Click here to see the score:  Wallace.Who Claims To Own

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