The Nobel Peace Prize 2004 awarded to Wangari Maathai
The Norwegian poet Halldis Moren Vesaas has put it so beautifully in her poem "The woman is planting": The woman is planting a tree in the world. On her knees, like someone in prayer, Among the remains of the many trees That the storm has broken down. She must try again, perhaps one at last Will be left to grow in peace. And this is how Moren Vesaas ends the poem: She sees the hands outspread on the earth As if trying to impose her calm On its threatening tremors. Oh earth, be still, Be still, so my tree can grow.