The wealth of the nation is its air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats and biodiversity… that’s all there is. That’s the whole economy. That’s where all the economic activity and jobs come from. These biological systems are the sustaining wealth of the world.
— Gaylord Nelson
Earth Day is April 22nd.
Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet, and the winds long to play with your hair.
— Kahlil Gibran
Mother Nature
A poem by Elizabeth Sheaffer
Mother Nature
Whispering winds in the willows
Soft fluffy clouds like pillows
Leaves flutter in the breeze
Nature, she is such a tease
For I am stuck inside today
But I would rather run and play
Through the grass that softly sways
Nature, oh she has her ways
When I get off it’s darker now
Suddenly I hear a howl
Shivers running down my spine
Nature, changing with the time
Black and scary going home
Thunder and lightning in skies roam
Wind billowing through the boughs
Nature, less inviting now
Mother Nature Faces
Each year, Earth Day — April 22 — marks the anniversary of what many consider the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. The idea came to Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. “It was a gamble,” Gaylord recalled, “but it worked.”
Mother Nature’s faces are many
“I had assumed that the Earth, the spirit of the Earth, noticed exceptions — those who wantonly damage it and those who do not. But the Earth is wise. It has given itself into the keeping of all, and all are therefore accountable.”
― Alice Walker
“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.”
― Gaylord Nelson
Earth Day is April 22nd
“Sit beside a mountain stream, see her waters rise. Listen to the pretty sound of music as she flies”
– the Beatles
For the Beauty of the Earth, Dohn
I didn’t know about Earth Day until now. So yesterday I tell my husband about my growing love for trees and he calls me a “tree hugger” (in a derogatory manner). I was already hurt and now I feel worse! But not due to your lovely post, of course.
Trees produce oxygen(and do many other wonderful things). Of course we love trees! Be proud.
Such a beautiful post, with wonderful images and writing…. Happy Earth Day to you as well, from across the waters!
Sending aloha
Reblogged this on Dianne Johnston.
Thank you for creating this inspiring tribute and reminding me of all that is sacred.
Good thoughts to honor our Mother Earth. 🙂
Lovely post Dohn, wonderful quotes, beautiful pics, and a song I’d never heard…thank you…
Mother Nature’s Son
You just touched my heart my friend. Simple truths without bulls***ing. Brilliant work! I love that quote by Gaylard Nelson. Keep up the good stuff!
I will be planting as well tomorrow – parsnips and carrots. I shall raise a cup of tea to Earth Day.
Cheers, Alen
Cheers
A day certainly worth remembering and celebrating. I shall honour it by digging and planting in the earth tomorrow! Thanks for reminding me about it!
Nothing finer than planting.
Thanks for the update. Your poetry is awesome. Keep the good stuff coming 🙂
That was beautiful. And may the Earth live long and prosper, with or without us.
Mahalo