Saturday, April 22, 2023 is Earth Day. As the effects of climate change become ever more clear — what’s an appropriate way to mark the day? That was the question behind this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Earth Day
Happy birthday, Earth!
What would you like
For your gift?
Perhaps some quiet time
For the trees
For the sprawling live oaks
Loblolly pines
And dogwoods
To dream
Perhaps some steady rain
To quench the baked dirt
Of the panhandle
Or western mountains
Perhaps a day
Where we step away
From our cars and trucks
And just step out
On a path or trail
To notice
The beauty and bounty
We so often miss
Yes today
Is your day
The day we celebrate
Elevate
You
And yes there are wildfires
And searing droughts and wrenching winds
And what the future holds, who knows?
But for today, at least,
Let’s hold this flower
Let’s take a big deep breath
And just give thanks
For the gifts of you.
Typew
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