a bit radical, but this is what came to me this morning

Think ahead, as you travel the lane
to your health food store or grocery chain
Think ahead to what you truly need
Guard your heart against waste and green

You enter the building and head to the space
where produce lines the chilled case
So many choices, what shall I buy
to make a nice salad or tasty stir fry

Considering the lovely skin and flesh
what will feed you and your loved ones best
Make the best choice of thinking ahead
these items you choose are on a path of the dead

You see, someone may have grown them care
to nourish your soul, your body, your mind, even your hair
But the life of the plant has been plucked away
to give you what you need today

So think carefully what you truly need
be careful of the trappings of consumption and greed
for once you bring your treasures home
they become space fillers in your refrigerator drone

Are they used for you or layed there to die
Their lives having purpose or no way to comply
Consider the plant, the life and the seed
was sacrificed for you to sustain your need

Waste and gratitude to do not walk hand in hand
and the illusion of much is popular in our land
the plants would ask, please take what you will use
as they offered up their life for you

Think of us too.

Lessons learned from the river I love

learn from the river, the river that I love.
She flows down from the mighty mountains, cutting through stone. Pouring down onto sage filled flatlands nourishing cottonwoods that sit at the feet of natures cathedral.
The river absorbs the deepest snows and extended rains. She widens herself to carry the load, as her purpose must be fulfilled.
Even in times of drought and emptiness, she will adjust accordingly. Though her banks be revealed in such lack, she WILL keep MOVING.
So much of nature depends on her movement.
Flora and fauna soak up the drink she offers them as she passes by so that the life cycle may go on.
The beasts of the high country depend upon her for sustanance.

Humans engage in her power. Farmers depend on her for the food they bring the nations.
Each cup of coffee is from her, although rarely is a person conscious of her gift.
The anglers wade deep to obtain food from her waters.
Joy and laughter can be heard in her flow. People seeking the mysteries of her journey by raft or boat.
She brings awe as she winds through canyon and flatland as her beauty is unsurpassed.
Regardless of the conditions she emdures, each winding pathway can change from a smooth travel into a mightly turbulance, violent and dangerous.
Yet, she still moves on.

At times, her way may be blocked by surrounding landscapes in her path.
She does not stop and hesistate, but may split herself in two around the barrier, adn then comes together again eventually.
She knows her journey will be long-her focus on her final destination. Her HEAVEN, as her waters will eventually settle into the sea.
Those some may disrespect her purpose, abuse and pollute her life, she still MOVES ON!

How I love this river. Her message is clear.
Strength and purpose is her passion-nourishing life as a lactating mother that gives continually, despite the conditions she herself may endure.

Flow dear sister, rise up from that which drains you. Be strong through the journey and like the beloved river, MOVE ON through it all.

Kristena Haslam Roder
8-19-2008
While sitting at the feet of the Snake River, Jackson Wyoming.

I still do not have a personal computer so the photo is from http://pscc.state.wy.us/tetons.jpg