I am the basis of all wealth, the heritage of the wise, the thrifty and the prudent.
I am the poor man’s joy and comfort, the rich man’s prize,
the right hand of capital, the silent partner of many thousands of successful men.
I am the solace of the widow, the comfort of old age,
the cornerstone of security against misfortune and want.
I am handed down to children through generations, as a thing of great worth.
I am the choicest fruit of toil, credit respects me.
Yet I am humble.
I stand before man bidding him to know me for what I am and possess me.
I grow and increase in value every day.
I am the provider of natural wonders and breathtaking beauty which has existed since time began.
Though I seem dormant, my worth increases, never failing, never easing.
Fire and elements I defy for they cannot destroy me.
My caretakers learn to believe in me, invariably they become envied.
While all things wither and decay, I survive.
The centuries find me younger, measuring in my strength.
I am the foundation of Banks, the producer of food and the basis of all wealth through the world.
I am land.
- Marilyn Allan