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Ode to Hamilton's
Tree Sitting Heroes
By Bob Hicks
With courage and faith and willing heart
They stepped forward bravely to do their part
They tried to save a 14th century native village and protect native
rights
They tried to prevent damage to at least 11 archaeological sites
They tried to save sixteen hundred acres of environmentally significant
area
They tried to bring more attention to the communities escalating hysteria
With courage and faith and willing heart
They stepped forward bravely to do their part
They tried for all the birds and animals to save their migration corridor
They tried for all the endangered species that needed their habitat more
They tried for all the creatures and a demonstration they did stage
They tried for all the creatures knowing some people would react with
rage
With courage and faith and willing heart
They stepped forward bravely to do their part
They knew citizens with breathing problems need the air to be clear
They knew the expressway would bring another one million trucks a year
They knew the expressway would double the amount of bad air days
They knew efforts to express their concerns required bold new ways
With courage and faith and willing heart
They stepped forward bravely to do their part
The deed was what these eco heroes made
It mattered not how long they stayed
For they became heroes from the very start
When in life's journey they stepped forward to do their part
With courage and faith they showed willing heart
With courage and faith they bravely did their part
With courage and faith they sat high and alone
With courage and faith they sat adjacent to the construction blast zone
With courage and faith they sat fifty feet above the ground
With courage and faith they sat and waited for that awful sound
Through bright blue skies and tree leaf greens
They surveyed what they steadfastly envisioned pristine
They were tired but they remained brave and they remained bold
Then for their safety they were told
Come down now we give you warning
Blasting of the earth will start in the morning
For the safety of the Tree Sitters all said they did care
But rocks the size of footballs did fly through the air
Fifteen meters deep and eighty meters wide
The City of Hamilton would take a huge chunk out of the Niagara Escarpment’s
hide
Even though it is a World Biosphere Reserve
They proceeded with regrettable unforgettable unshakeable nerve
The Tree Sitter's heroism did not stop or slow down construction
From up high they could only look down on destruction
They are true Eco Heroes they did not do this for fun
They did it to save the environment for East Hamilton
They became true eco heroes to thousands and certainly to me
But unfortunately not to everyone in our society
Although the delicate ecosystem that existed in the Red Hill Valley soon
will be gone
The efforts of thousands of concerned citizens must remain forever strong
Like those brave Tree Sitting Heroes we must continue to care
We must continue to fight for the environment and for clean water and
air
A big thanks goes out to everyone who supported them and felt their cries
These Heroes will be remembered by all of us the rest of our lives.
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