We are moving into a dark time, both in the seasonal year, and, on a
larger scale, the ecological realm. We have, very recently, received another
report from the IPCC which states that we have 10-15 years to reduce our carbon
emissions by 45 percent, and they have to be at zero by 2050 if we do not want
to send the entire planet into climate disaster. If we do not heed this, our
planet will be dark—and for far longer than the time between now and the Winter
Solstice, when the light begins to return to the natural world. What do we do, what
can we do, in the face of this disastrous report? I think Pete Seeger has the
answer.
Step by step, the longest march
Can be won, can be won
Many stones can form an arch
Singly none, singly none
And by union what we will
Can be accomplished still
Drops of water turn a mill
Singly none, singly none
This is not an easy answer. It requires constant, steady, hard work. Long marches—not a circle around the courthouse— are both physical and emotional trials. Building arches with stones will bash and bruise fingers and souls in the process. Drops of water will not only turn a mill, but wear away the stones, given enough time. Building unions is the most difficult work I can imagine because it means reaching across battle lines, listening to others, working together, work perhaps best done while constructing the stone arches. This very necessary action is our constant, daily work in the coming ten years, if we want a decent home for ourselves and our children’s children, as well as all other living creatures.
Can be won, can be won
Many stones can form an arch
Singly none, singly none
And by union what we will
Can be accomplished still
Drops of water turn a mill
Singly none, singly none
This is not an easy answer. It requires constant, steady, hard work. Long marches—not a circle around the courthouse— are both physical and emotional trials. Building arches with stones will bash and bruise fingers and souls in the process. Drops of water will not only turn a mill, but wear away the stones, given enough time. Building unions is the most difficult work I can imagine because it means reaching across battle lines, listening to others, working together, work perhaps best done while constructing the stone arches. This very necessary action is our constant, daily work in the coming ten years, if we want a decent home for ourselves and our children’s children, as well as all other living creatures.
How to begin? For me, the light begins to return on December 22nd,
the morning after the Winter Solstice. After spending Solstice Night by candle
and fire light, after a long, cold, damp walk in the winter woods, after a day
of self-imposed silence, we turn on lights and music, eat whole wheat pancakes,
and begin the celebration of Yule, that mid-winter pause when the sun is far
away, but community is near. Between now and then is a dark time—Advent for
some, as they count down the days until Christmas-- before the return of the sun. It is a good time to
take action, to establish the practices that will become our goals, set on the Solstice
in our house, for the coming year.
So this is my plan. Every day, from November 30th until
December 21st, I will take action on climate change. I will also
note it here, so that I am held accountable! Every action, in and of itself, is
a small drop of water against the wheel of the problem. I know that. But, I
also know that, ”in union, what we will can be accomplished still.” So, this
time, I am not wanting to act alone. The song is sung as a round; please join
me in this work. Together, we can push back against the coming dark times.
I'll join you Charlyn! Everyday is a new day to make a difference.
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