To Walk in this world

We share the earth 
its riches and gifts 
the very air we breath 
all for the taking

Not for the hoarding 
the I, me, mine 
has gotten us to this 
pinpoint in time 
to really make a shift 
in our thinking, in our eating, 
in our hearts and words

To walk in this world 
we must become the stewards 
to respect and replenish 
Earth’s many gifts
The future depends on us 
though we may not see what 
lies ahead
There is power and empowerment

There is sorrow and horrors 
like on this blood red ground, 
ashes and cinders 
where homes, schools and businesses 
once stood proud 
ready to serve, learn and relax

The fire burned out of control 
like when we fire back 
unspoken utterly ruthless 
gutting thoughts 
It’s hard to take those words back
But this too is a turning point
We can ask for forgiveness 
deeply apologetically
And take the lessons gained

Lessons learned forward 
to our future encounters 
our future endeavors

To walk in this world 
we must become worldly 
not shy, timid or stretched 
too thin with productivity 
over commitment 
we must dig deep and fill our well 
so that there is an overflow 
of good enough 
of a shared right to the Earth’s gifts
Our own gift of peace can turn the tide

Try it.  To walk in this world 
say hi to a neighbor or heck 
even a stranger  
If the world feels unfriendly, 
be the friend you wish to keep
If you get shut down or ignored, 
it’s all part of the warming-up process 
our warm hearts and hands 
hold you and your beloveds. 
Come take a walk with me.