TO SAVE IT (Maida Withers,age 73)
This man is using all his savings, hoping to bring awareness through the arts to
SAVE OUR PLANET
I am of strong descent
I know
They whisper in my dreams
And I hear their courage
In my own voice
I am of strong descent
I know
I know
About the great
And the great great grandmothers
Who went hungry
So their children could eat.
Who put their lives into the land
And their dreams into their children
And when the time came,
Put those dreams on a boat to a foreign land
So that those they loved could live better
I know
About my own grandmother
Who nursed men to health in World War II
Who raised children against the kansas corn
And watched her own setting sun,
Battling cancer with the courage of a soldier
Leaving her children with a Legacy of patience
I know
About my own mother
Whose whispers are the strongest
Who taught me quietly
How to be who I am
Who told me I was more than this
When I needed that
And who said so softly
"Believe"
I am of strong descent
I know
And tonight in my dreams
When they whisper
I will whisper back
"I will not disappoint you"
I am of strong descent
I know
picture by Lee Teter
Dear Kass,
ReplyDeleteThis is such an inspiring post ~ I wish more citizens of Earth felt as you (and I) do!
What a wonderful event, Kass! It pleases me that you made music to support it. Here's another vote that we all pull together and treat our mother (earth) better.
ReplyDeleteI like the notion of whispering back to one's dreams, "I will not disappoint you."
That sounds wonderful and a great cause too. The earth can no longer be silent! Thanks for adding your music.
ReplyDeletexoxo Kim
wonderful combination of earth and music and the ancient pulse still in each of us. i did not know you played violin, i played viola for a couple decades (and miss it). i understand better, more and more, why you once told me you were ancient (in response to my trailing poem). you have your fingers on the pulse and this post shares that.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fascinating event. I imagine the canyon walls provide your violin playing with some natural acoustics. On that top picture, is that real shadows on the side of that rock, or are they painted on?
ReplyDeleteHELEN - Yes, it's time for citizens to unite.
ReplyDeleteLES - I too like the idea of whispering back to dreams. It was an inspirational 2 and half days.
NUMINA - Oh that we could all add our music and art in a way that makes a difference.
SHERRY - I love the idea of having fingers on the pulse of earth's essence. When I heard there was a book titled, "The Earth Sings A Low B Flat" I went out immediately and bought it because I have heard this for years. The book is mystical fiction, but someone else must be hearing it at this pitch.
Wish we could get together and play. I'm an amateur, but still play for my own amazement.
KIRK - This concert was indoors to slides, but a week ago Repertory Dance Theater danced against the rocks. Those are actual shadows of a previous program borrowed from Maida's website.
How wonderful that you were involved in such a worthy cause along with other artists. Utah with its grand landscapes is a place my wife and I hope to visit some day.
ReplyDeleteThat poem is rich with meaning ... thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt's always comforting to know that there are people working for the same things that you love, even when they are far away. Lovely poem and a great cause.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed Lee's poem very much.
ReplyDeleteYou play violin too?
What a powerful experience for you. I so respect you and your string talents. As a girl I played wind instruments in the symphony and I bought a violin three years ago as I had always wanted to learn to play it and stay so intimidated I will not even try to play it! Just plain stupid!
ReplyDeleteWonderful and awesome. We need more people who feel the way we do about our planet.
ReplyDeleteThat first photo is awesome, LOVE it!
i am, as usual, fumbling for words to express my gratitude, for the existence of this event, and for your participation in it. you have such talent, and you use it in a way that continually inspires me.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, the photos of the shadows on the rock is mesmerizing.
ReplyDeleteThat poem just resonates so deeply... its very lyrical when you read it aloud. I see why you were smitten with it. How great to participate in Earth Fest... actually to even have one to attend is a good thing. I am hopeful we will see more of this type of thing in the future.
ReplyDeleteAn inspiring and important event. That poem touched me as I am sure it has many. There are so many things we can do to help. A little by everyone goes a long way. Thanks for posting this, Kass.
ReplyDeleteYou went to give and to honor, but look at all you took away. Seems like a wonderful time. I am imagining violins echoing through canyons and it gives me the chills!
ReplyDeleteYou play the violin!?! Oh my, you truly are a Renaissance woman!!!
ReplyDelete(I just wet my pants)
What a wonderful event, Kass, and what a striking - and very American - poem. Great post.
ReplyDelete"There is hope if people will begin to awaken that spiritual part of themselves, that heartfelt knowledge that we are caretakers of this planet." ~Brooke Medicine Eagle
ReplyDeleteloveNlight
Gabi
Amazing, Kass. It blows me away.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a safe journey back!
ReplyDeleteI like the poem very much. And bravo to the dancing lady! That image will stay with me for eternity.
Caring for the environment is such fun it's a wonder more people don't do it.
Gosh, everything about this post fills me with joy. You play violin as well as everything else?!
ReplyDeleteThank you, ALL for your comments. I am looking for a way I can contribute more. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteWhat about whenever you leave a comment on a blog have a wee link on there to say something about what you want to do to help the earth? An invitation to do something fun to make a difference?
ReplyDeleteI'm deeply impressed by Maida Whithers choreography of dance, light, photo realism and music. This sounds like it was a great event, if more video becomes available can you let us know? Thanks very much Kass for sharing the wonderful poetry.
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff! More power to you and to all engaged in the same endeavour. Great post.
ReplyDeleteKass, I seem to have missed this post of your. My computer was down for a day, ever so dreadful, and then and then ad then. but this is a wonderful and inspiring post, a credit to you and your love of the earth, of music ad of poetry.
ReplyDeleteCan we ever get to hear you play your violin?
what a fantastic cast...we must all do what we can to save the Earth or we shall cease to exist.
ReplyDelete