ואלס להגנת הצומח [Vals le-Haganat ha-Teva] [English translation]

Daffodils are already blooming in the nature reserves

Flowerbeds spread all through the coastal plains

Poppies and Saffrons, a thousand hues and colors

And the law that says: "Picking is forbidden here!"

Only I am not protected by the law

Only I have no one guarding me

If I had sepals

Then, my situation would have been different.

Rare birds are already nesting in the rocks

Rare trees are kept separately

Frightened deer look at the sign

That clearly states that hunting is forbbiden!

Only I don't have a sign put up for me

Only I don't have any fence around me

If I were, say, a doe

Then my situation would have been different!

Sir, be careful, do not touch the Iris!

The Tulip is not an option!

Every tall hill in the outskirts of town is

A fenced out and registered wildlife area!

So I sometimes think

That perhaps it would have been best

If I were a Daffodil or a Cyclamen

Or even a common Squill

Look at what happens to me on the road:

Everyone passes by, grabs, picks, makes a bouquet

If I were an animal or a flower

Then my situation would have been different!

• Artist:Naomi Shemer
• Album:הנח"לאים באים הנח"לאים באים