Sanctuary

 

Tonquin Guardian

By Christine Lowther

ƛaakašiis

Forest of green

on the far edge of town,

along your well-trodden paths

I walk

on hallowed ground.

Temple,

monastery,

sepulchre and tabernacle,

bird-world,

home and refuge to

All-that-is-not-us,

teach us how to be

so we

regain your trust.

Shelter, refuge,

in my need,

forest serene,

my sanctuary blessed,

it is 

to you I come,

when I

seek rest.

Sadly, friends, the arrests have begun of the forest defenders at Fairy Creek. This beauty above - a conscious being, irreplaceable - is on the cutting block. People are demonstrating. Most of B.C. believes the two per cent of old growth left should be saved. But government has deaf ears. They send in 30 police cars, giving the strong message who is going to "win" this conflict of interest.......making us all losers in the end. I am not well enough to be there. But my heart is there, singing to the trees with the land defenders.

For earthweal, where the prompt is Sanctuary. Tonquin forest is a short block away from where I live. Half of it will soon be clearcut for housing. Some of us have worked towards protection of its significant trees. We have had to accept the loss of half the forest. As long as they dont then want the other half.