Love this world like a tent staked into hallowed
ground, one tempered blow of a hammer at a time.
The tent might rise or fall with the wind,
become soaked in the rain, or provide
less warmth than needed at times.
But still there will be moments when
you awake to dew, refracting morning light
in rainbow patterns on its edges, a
kaleidoscope of possibility, an ocean scape
like truth in a gentle breeze, reflected
as new horizons. The patterns of the
treetops animated across the fabric
where shade and light unite as meaning.
Laura Parker Roerden is the founding director of Ocean Matters and the former managing editor of Educators for Social Responsibility and New Designs for Youth Development. She serves on the boards of Women Working for Oceans (W20) and Earth, Ltd.