Wayland the Rabbit

From the album I'LL PLAY FOR YOU (1975)
Oh my Wayland, there's deer in the forests and rivers are flowing just for you
Oh my father, look down through the mountains and valleys, the grain's in the silo
All for you

One fine morning, as Dad was walking, just to see what he could see
He spied, a little white rabbit. He was frozen as solid as he could be
And Dad cried, as he knelt down beside him. He asked God, "How could you be so cruel?"
And his heart broke, for the little white rabbit. "But you see that the owl
Would never have been so gentle
And God is so kind."

I love Wayland 'cause he's strong. And I love him 'cause he's weak
And the rabbit is running within him

Oh my Wayland, the children are waiting and berries are ripe down below the hill
Oh, my father, the shadows of nighttime can't touch you
Immortal go quickly, be thankful the water is cool
Drink your fill

Today as I walked 'long beside him, I said, "Dad why do you look so sad?"
He turned as he stood by the doorway, he said, "Things are not like they used to be."
I smiled, as if I could teach him. I said "Dad, it's mercy in disguise
Once you told of a little white rabbit, and you said that the owl would never have been so gentle, and God is so kind."

And I love you 'cause you're strong. And I love you 'cause you're weak
And the rabbit is running within me