Not all trees were meant for fire

In the early years of humanity
We learned to burn trees for fuel
We realised the power that lay within fire
Just like we learned to harness the mule

We used the heat to cook our food
And did not give a second thought
We became rulers, lords of this land
As the lessons of wood were taught

So we burned and we burned
We used fuel to fulfill our desire
And slowly, too slowly, we had to learn
Not all trees were meant for our fire

Some trees are meant to provide shade on hot days
Some trees are homes for creatures big and small
Some hold the ground to stop floods in towns
Trees do so much for us all

What is happening, finally, is we are learning our place
That trees are more than just long sticks and tools
They provide beauty and oxygen and, if we can save them yet
They may just help keep the planet cool

Humans are in the world, not above it
It's time to behave honestly
All it requires is to act with restraint
And not burn every last tree