​I used to work with Ross Andrews at William B. Umstead State Park many years ago. Both poems I am submitting this year are based on conversations I had with him.  We had many conversations about the importance of putting ideas into action and how easy it was to SAY that you care and how hard it was sometimes to DO something about it.
I like to picture Ross as the young man in this poem.   Or maybe it’s me.  Who can say?

​"​Starting to Do"
​
A young man in the woods was exploring along
When he heard, on the breeze, a soft voice raised in song.
 
And he came to a spot with a clearing most clear
In the midst of which stood Mother Nature, right there.
 
“I am looking,” she said, in a voice that did please,
“For a person to help me to care for these trees
 
Are you just such a person, I’m wanting to know,
That would help this fine forest to thrive and to grow?”
 
“Well, I know quite a bit about trees,” said the man.
“I can name them by species, and know their lifespan
 
I’ll identify bundle scars, branches and leaves
And can quote any fact that the expert perceives.”
 
“Tell me more,” Mother Nature said, brows slightly creased,
“I am looking for more than just tree expertise.”
 
“Well it isn’t just knowledge I’d bring to this task,”
said the man, “I am happy to say, since you ask,
 
I am also quite caring; I love all the trees!
I value the branches that sway in the breeze!”
 
“It is good that you care,” the wood spirit agreed,
“But just caring alone is not what these woods need.
 
It’s true knowing the facts is quite important stuff
And the caring is good- but is not good enough
 
You must take what you know and direct how you care
Into action that will make a difference out there-
 
 Although knowing and caring are part of the act-
It’s the doing that helps keep the forest intact.”
 
And the man upon hearing knew this must be true
He stopped THINKING of doing.  He started to DO.
 
So she gave him the job and he’s still at it, friends.
This particular job is one that never ends.