In Isolation: April 27, “I Am Your Mother”

An introduction to this “In Isolation” blog series appears at the top of the March 22 post.

And on the Fifth Day:

Those who have been following these blogs will be aware that I’ve decided to extend Earth Day awhile in these musings since this year marks its 50th anniversary. After reading my April 19 Earth Day blog which featured Shirley Murray’s “Silent Spring Song”, Walter Farquharson forwarded it on to his friend, Morley. He responded to Walter with this wonderful true Earth Day story which he then forwarded to me. I asked Morley if I could share the story wider still by including it in these blog entries. I concur with Walter’s comment when he first sent the story on to me: “Too good not to share.”

“I have an Earth Day story. Our grandson, Jameson (Grade 1), has been coming to the farm in the morning. His mom works from home. I have dusted off my teaching certificate and we do the on-line things that his teacher provides. We spend a lot of time out of doors doing our version of ‘science’. We are enjoying our time together, although a couple of days ago he did ask to see my teaching certificate.
I think just curious and not a reflection of my performance.”

“We spent our Earth Day doing and talking about the usual things. Jameson understands the changes that come with age — grandpa’s rusty tractor, old truck, falling down outbuildings. He commented to Grandma a while ago that ‘you still looked pretty nice, but not like when you were young.’ (Yikes!) So he knows about rust, rot and wrinkles. When he found out the age of the Earth he was shocked. Here is his comment. ‘How can the Earth be so old and still look so beautiful?’ When I asked about why he thought it was ‘beautiful’ he pointed out all the simple things — the clouds, grass, trees, birds and animals.”

“One of my best Earth Days ever!”

A perfect segue into one of my favourite Shirley Murray Earth Day poems which is so applicable to where we find ourselves today: “I Am Your Mother”.

I am your mother: do not neglect me!
Children protect me, I need your trust;
my breath is your breath,
my death is your death,
ashes to ashes, dust into dust.

I am your nurture: do not destroy me!
Love and enjoy me, savor my fruit;
my good is your good,
my food is your food,
water and flower, branches and root.

I am your lodging: do not abuse me!
Tenderly use me, soothing my scars;
my health is your health,
my wealth is your wealth,
shining with promise, set among stars.

God is our maker: do not deny God,
challenge, defy God, threaten this place:
life is to cherish,
care, or we perish!
I am your mother, tears on my face.

Words by Shirley Erena Murray
Copyright © 1996 by Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, Illinois • USA