Singer/songwriter Lea Morris was born in Washington, DC, and now lives in Germany, traveling the world to share her songs and experiences to lift hearts and connect communities. She visited Prairiewoods during her first trip to Iowa. During her stay, she got the chance to visit with Grandmother Oak. We invite you to listen to the song she wrote about her experience with this beloved three-hundred-year-old tree and to read the lyrics below:
https://www.thisislea.com/hidden-gems
Grandmother Oak
What a different way of life Not as daughter nor as wife
Standing in one sacred space And never moving around
Would I feel an urge to dance? Or lose myself in a romance?
Would I long to change the pace For fear of losing ground
What if she were me? Oh could it be?
Grandmother, grandmother
What if I were she?
How would it be to live as an oak tree?
Aren’t you sick of standing still Surviving at some human‘s will
If you could take one single step Would you change everything?
Or is contentment who you are? Not salamander. Not a star
A seedling once and once. Seed Today, this woodland queen
What if she were me? Oh could it be?
Grandmother, grandmother
What if I were she?
How would it be to live as an oak tree?
Limbs fall. Landscapes change
You keep holding on
Would I still feel free? How would it be?
Would I still be me
How would it be to live as an oak tree?
—Lea Morris, inspired at Prairiewoods in Hiawatha, Iowa