Let’s begin this way: I am heartbroken. And grateful for it. Outside my window, in the upper branches of a self-seeded Oak tree, now 40 feet high, an adolescent Raven is singing his liquid call which is so exquisite I assume it is a mating song for any creature hearing it will want to respond. I answer him with a heartbroken apology for threatening his life and his future. These are the Days of Awe when we are called to scrutinize our lives and make amends to all those we have offended. Amends to Spirit, amends to humans and, certainly, since the Industrial Revolution (1760) and then the beginning of the Anthropocene (1945), amends to Earth.
Why doesn't everyone think this way? Thank you for reaffirming me. Thank you for witnessing.
Thank you for your unfettered mind, born to reach beyond asumed limits. Thank you for bothering, because those of us who are like you might perish spiritually without you.
Thank you for embodying what (beloved) Barry Lopez knew.
Thank you Deena for this beautiful piece and for continuing to ask the questions that have no right to go away, so we just might live ethically into answers that benefit all life.
Wrenching and worrying your words; thoughtful and empowered your suggestions for how we current humans may yet alter what can seem hopelessly, helplessly inevitable. Thank you for bringing Barry Lopez’s mind-clearing writing to the discussion. Blessings to you Deena Metzger! Judy Todd, PNW.
Thank you all for responding who are writing here or have written to me directly. Thank you for carrying the questions. May Earth be written into the Book of Life
Deena, you are my rabbi. This is the sermon my family and I needed to hear today so I read it aloud to them. I am fasting and praying for the Earth and feeling enormously grateful to you for reminding us what true repentance looks like. And true joy: that whale and that music!
Why doesn't everyone think this way? Thank you for reaffirming me. Thank you for witnessing.
Thank you for your unfettered mind, born to reach beyond asumed limits. Thank you for bothering, because those of us who are like you might perish spiritually without you.
Thank you for embodying what (beloved) Barry Lopez knew.
Thank you Deena for this beautiful piece and for continuing to ask the questions that have no right to go away, so we just might live ethically into answers that benefit all life.
Wrenching and worrying your words; thoughtful and empowered your suggestions for how we current humans may yet alter what can seem hopelessly, helplessly inevitable. Thank you for bringing Barry Lopez’s mind-clearing writing to the discussion. Blessings to you Deena Metzger! Judy Todd, PNW.
Thank you all for responding who are writing here or have written to me directly. Thank you for carrying the questions. May Earth be written into the Book of Life
Deena, you are my rabbi. This is the sermon my family and I needed to hear today so I read it aloud to them. I am fasting and praying for the Earth and feeling enormously grateful to you for reminding us what true repentance looks like. And true joy: that whale and that music!
AMENDS indeed. My book, Killing Beauty in North America, is filled with amends. Stay safe, and well, Deena. Constance Buck