By Clover Burgess

Arbutus Tree

Ocean breeze, Qaanlhp trees
High upon a rocky outcrop.
Robin and wren, making friends,
Eating berries red, can’t stop.
Winds will blow, bark will grow,
Crimson peeling bark on top.
Evergreen all seasons seen,
Green leathery leaves will drop.
Twisted branches, long and wild,
Perfect for a place to stop.
Build a nest, take a rest,
Baby Birds soon will hop.
Ocean breeze, Arbutus tree,
High upon the rocky outcrop.

With children you might add these movements:

Arbutus Tree

Ocean breeze, Qaanlhp trees (Children stand like trees balancing)
High upon a rocky outcrop.
Robin and wren, making friends, (Children pretend to be bird eating berries)
Eating berries red, can’t stop.
Winds will blow, bark will grow, (Children blow like the wind)
Crimson peeling bark on top.
Evergreen all seasons seen,
Green leathery leaves will drop. (Children fall like leaves)
Twisted branches, long and wild,
Perfect for a place to stop. (Children make branches with their arms)
Build a nest, take a rest, (Children rest on the carpet)
Baby Birds soon will hop. (Children hop like birds on a branch
Ocean breeze, Arbutus tree,
High upon the rocky outcrop. (Children are trees once more)