In Service to the Earth

Mike Brown, a student in Mr. Scott Knapp’s horticulture class at Cedar Creek Corrections Center shared his poem with Mr. Knapp, who then shared it with us.  With Mr. Brown’s permission,  we now share it with all of you:

In Service to the Earth

To those who heal and protect the earth

In all ways and large.

To those who throw a protective shield ‘gainst

Industries toxic barge.

 

Endangered Checkerspot Butterfly from Mission Creek Corrections Center. Photo by SPP Staff

Endangered Checkerspot Butterfly from Mission Creek Corrections Center. Photo by SPP Staff.

 

Valued be the composters; gardeners;

Breeders of worms; frogs; bees and soil renewers.

To those who train dogs for the military vet;

Much appreciation, though we’ve never met.

To those who choose to purify the air.

Makers of clean water…all share,

From rivers, lakes, creeks and sea’s.

To those who plant trees.

 

Rearing Endangered Frogs. Photo by Joslyn Rose Trivett.

 

Valued are those who heal the prairies,

Grasslands, and renew the seeds.

Those who fight pollution by recycling and restore

The lore of fisheries

Herbs of plants (their healing salve),

Wildflowers that feed the gopher, butterfly,

And larks in the sky.

Valued are those who ask questions, “Why?”

 

Amending the Soil. Photo by SPP Staff.

 

Valued are those who heal cities.

Healing to them for whom the flock flows slowly.

To those with excitement and creativity.

Those who promote prison sustainability.

Beekeeping at Cedar Creek Corrections Center. Photo by SPP Staff

Beekeeping at Cedar Creek Corrections Center. Photo by SPP Staff.

Valued are those who’s wounded and bled,

Who risk themselves in service to the earth.

To all who give, nature will sing:

“Thank you for life,” courtesy of everything!”

-Mike Brown

2 Comments:

  1. Michael Brown

    This is Michael Brown the person who wrote this poem I hope everyone enjoyed it. U wS enlightened by the sustaibability in prisons project and it expired me to write this poem within 15. Minutes it was completed. My number is 360 442 8688. Email mab77777mab@gmail.com.
    Thank you for letting my talents unleash together with your life saving program. May all be blessed and may Heavenly Father grant you peace

    Reply to this comment ↓
  2. Michael Brown

    Its been 2 years since I was at Cedar Creek…. My heart will always be there… Success is measured in increments. Ensure those steps move forward… To my counselor.. Ms. Erickson, whom had the only remaining copy of a portion of my poems… You were an inspiration to me… Ryan, Terry, Stephen, and others… Love you all.
    Bmike0198@gmail.com

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