Tribal Council

 Tribal Council


Things were looking bad on planet earth.

Responding to distress calls throughout the world,

all living beings gathered together to pool their knowledge. 

Their communication was silent but profound.

Their bodies were scattered, but all were heard.

It was like a Noah’s Ark story, with the world in peril.


But this time all life was included: birds and insects of the air,

microorganisms and other life forms underground,

animals from the smallest mouse to the largest elephant,

fish of the sea, and plants: huge trees, small bushes,

tall grasses, creeping ground covers, vines, blooming flowers.

All gathered with one purpose: saving the planet together.


It was decided that humans could also be invited to the council,

though they were instructed to listen and learn instead of leading.

Their lack of understanding of the rest of life

meant they needed to step aside and open their minds.

It was hoped that humans could take an important role

once they developed an ability to see the whole.


Since size did not matter in the meeting of many minds,

a representative of the fungal community was chosen to facilitate.

Its unique life form spreads across the entire earth and

could make sure all beings had an equal chance to share wisdom.

Every attender knew each life has its own perspective, its own senses,

and only with every voice could health be restored.


Although this story started as a dream,

the tribal council may already be happening.

We know that communication takes many forms

and life has an array of intrepid abilities.

It’s up to us now to do our part, listen, learn,

and be ready to act when we’ve gained the wisdom to join in.


NF 7/9/22

Comments

  1. MargaretJuly 9, 2022 at 4:15 PM

    oh Nan --this is so close to my thoughts right now---this rain has brought so many mushrooms to garden and yard and thinking about them--it is fitting fungal community should facilitate. I started reading a book you might enjoy--Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy----it is a story but pretty powerful like Seed Saver----thank you for this dream poem--and I am sure it is already happening------

    ReplyDelete
  2. Prairie HillJuly 9, 2022 at 5:35 PM

    Brilliant! You really captured it in this, Nan. I love the fungal facilitation. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

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