Stewarding

 When long a people dwells upon
A land so fair, ‘neath shining sun,
And build they cities o’er the years,
With towers great, forged out of steel;

When long explored the land has been
And towns and roads are built, and then
Still further through the wild they go
Regardless of the winter’s snow;

What then, when all the rivers marked
And mountains sketched upon a chart
Have been, and sea to shining sea
Holds no more ancient mystery?

How must we steward soil dear,
From tranquil lake to bustling pier,
Rememb’ring those who came before,
Preparing generations more!