Pines: A Logger Repents
William Clark
Audiobook
(William Clark, Oct. 9, 2019)
This book tells the story, in lively lyrical verse, of Caleb, an old logger from the days of saw and ax. After a long career chopping down trees, he finally meets his match and learns a life-changing lesson. Most folks link pine trees with Christmas, small and in a corner of the room, but their big brothers live in the great forests. Logging is an American way of life. Pioneers swung axes to win logs from the virgin forests and build family homes. Later, folks earned a living by exporting the lumber. Huge swathes of timber covered much America. Exploitation was inevitable. Ancient trees soared skywards in a challenge to fearless men. Loggers roaming the early forests were a band of adventurous characters. Daring exploits became legend. Many a tall tale spiraled up with the campfire sparks as weary men exchanged yarns. Stories of a giant of a man called Paul Bunyan, and his blue ox Babe, became popular. They have featured in books and films ever since. At a time of growing awareness of the folly of destroying natural resources, this story shows the need to change our ways - no matter how old we are.