Dryad's Promise

The ghost of a dryad haunts an old wooden schooner

She clings to the mainmast like mist in the trees

Mourning his death after so many years

She weaves her grief into the breeze

Singing

Blow, you ocean wind, blow

Blow this ship back to the forested shore

For these foamy green hills are but saltwater desert

And I yearn to see woodland once more

And sometimes at full moon, the sailors can see her

Her misty grey figure glides silently past

But when the storms howl, you can hear her heart weeping

And see her blue glow round the mast

Crying

Blow, you ocean storm, blow

Blow this ship back to the forested shore

For your wet whipping winds bring no life to my lost love

And I yearn to see woodland once more

Warm summer breezes remind Pitys’ daughter

Of seasons and cent-u-ries spent merged with her pine

When sap of his heartwood ran warm with her laughter

Her voice in his branches entwined

Whispering

Grow, sweet conifer, grow

Reach for the sun, leave the green earth behind

For whatever happens, my tallest of princes

I never shall leave my white pine.

On the deck of the schooner, surrounded by ocean

The towering mast stands, so lifeless yet strong

And the ghost of the dryad, cool shade in his shadow

Renews her promise alone

Singing

Blow, you summer breeze, blow

You help me remember why I stay behind

Though alone and adrift on this great leafless ocean

I still cannot leave my white pine--

No, I never will leave my white pine.