Earth Day 2015 | “Taste all, and hand the knowledge down”

I thought I should give Earth Day my admiration. Like most people my age I’m not sure what I’m doing or where I’m going, yet I’ve been able to find peace and wisdom in life and I owe most of that to my time spent in nature. Nature is our greatest ally in our interior struggle to be present and for that I’m thankful. Even if it’s for a short moment in a long day, I suggest being curious in, being grateful for, and learning from this planet we call home.

Here’s a poem by one of my favorite authors/environmentalists Gary Snyder:

Ethnobotany

In June two oaks fell,                                                                                                                            rot in the roots

Chainsaw in September                                                                                                                          In three days one tree                                                                                                                  bucked and quartered in the shed

Sour fresh inner oak-wood smell                                                                                                      the main trunk splits                                                                                                                        “like opening a book” (J. Tecklin)

And slightly humping oak leaves                                                                                                    deer muzzle and kick it,                                                                                                                   Boletus                                                                                                                                                  one sort, Alice Eastwood                                                                                                               pink, and poison;

To yellow. edulus                                                                                                                           “edible and choice.”                                                                                                                          only I got so slightly sick –

Taste all, and hand the knowledge down

I would also like to suggest this book by John Kieran. My parents found it at a used book sale and now it’s one of my favorites. Just like nature, his prose is calming, insightful, and ephemeral.

Now get off your computer and go for a walk.