Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won’t come again
And don’t speak too soon
For the wheel’s still in spin
And there’s no tellin’ who
That it’s namin’
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin’.
—Bob Dylan, 1964.
The autumn air is crisp and cold, fingers freeze and thaw, noses run and jump. Gardens are put to bed for the season yet the collards continue to nourish through soups and stews made on the woodstoves of tiny houses. Piles around the neighborhoods are stacking higher with fallen trees that were once alive, growing, breathing the air so that we may also breathe. On the land somewhere, a grove invites a weary traveler to rest in the branches and recharge their energy before continuing on a magnificent journey.
Those chunky piles now fuel our fires to keep warm and cook our food, while still offering a mountain to climb for those travelers who have found their way home in time for supper. Tomorrow, another journey awaits.
A green and black carpet of fallen leaves border paths with a spongy lush yearning to be gathered in hands and tossed into the white sky with innocence and frivolity. White turns to grey and a timeless drear settles upon the land, revealing nests that were once protected from predatory eyes by green goodness of foliage.
Stories are re-told around the fire; the same tales of advancements made and unforeseen challenges that accompany those acts of hubris. The systems are scrutinized and found unacceptable by some. Clean air and water are no longer the rights of all beings though they are essential to life on this planet. People march in the streets for unity and voice, facing criticism from those who seek to silence.
To listen to another’s story is an act of compassion; to stand with them and seek to know another truth is imperative.
Autumn will become winter soon and the hibernations encourage the growth and transformation essential to thriving systems. Leaves return to the earth creating fodder for those who seek to live in harmony with one another. Darkness breeds and nurtures ideas that emerge and transform energy into the light of spring. A new day is coming and the sunrise is magnificent.
Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don’t criticize
What you can’t understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin’
Please get out of the new one
If you can’t lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin’.
—This piece is by Katherine.
Reminder: We hope you’ll join us for #GivingTuesday on November 28, 2017! On this national day of giving your gift to support our nonprofit’s work will be DOUBLED due to a very generous donor who will match the first $2000 we raise! Look here for more info, follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates, and don’t forget to mark your calendar for November 28, 2017!
Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage is an intentional community and nonprofit outside Rutledge, in northeast Missouri, focused on demonstrating sustainable living possibilities. Find out more about us by visiting our website, reading our blog, or emailing us.