To BP corporate headquarters…a memo
(A short poem from a small person to a giant corporation. )
I file my claim as a citizen of the planet.
I file my claim as a resident of the universe.
I file my claim as a species dependent upon water,
Dependent upon oxygen,
Dependent upon the food chain,
Dependent upon beauty.
I file my claim as a small human who cannot sleep nights.
I file my claim as an empath for wildlife.
I file my claim as a child of the blue-collar.
I file my claim as myself.
I file my claim.
Keywords:
Toni Morrison says, “If there is a book you really want to read but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” So I have. HIGHWAY TO OBLIVION.”
About Mara
A naïve Maine native, I arrived at NYU eager to become a lawyer (until l met one!) so switched to Art History (all those beautiful slides!), studied anatomy and painting at the Art Students League, wrote art criticism for “The Villager” and handled foreign...
Connections
Causes Mara Buck Supports
Kennebec Valley Humane Society, Amnesty International
I file my claim from
I file my claim from Ireland. m
Same ocean, Mary. Same
Same ocean, Mary. Same ocean. We, the small people who cannot sleep nights... Thanks for reading. M
powerful mara. m
powerful mara. m
Never powerful enough, my
Never powerful enough, my friend. Hope the little video wasn't a problem. M
It ran perfectly first go -
It ran perfectly first go - I take that as a good omen Mara on this full moon night. m
I haven't watched the video
I haven't watched the video yet, but love the sentiment of the poem. The whole spill disturbs me in the similar, but yet different way as the 9/11 attacks! I love that you, Mara, keep at 'em whatever the issue is...nan
Powerless
The Gulf disaster and 9/11 are similar in that we the little people of the planet have watched in horror and have felt powerless. The pen may eventually prove mightier than the sword, but the one who holds the pen must have air and water and food to exist. Thanks for your kind words, Nan, I do need them. .. Mara
From one small person to another
If tears would wash away the oil, we might be ahead of the game.
Very powerful, Mara. Thank you so much.
I was at the Gulf today - near Texas. The new tropical storm Alex is brewing, and they are speculating what will happen if it heads toward the Texas Gulf.
We watched pelicans that have been rescued and cleaned - dive and swoop joyfully as if they know they have been rescued and they are safe.
Thank you again, Mara.
Sharon
Awash with tears
It must have been blissful to see those released birds. Safe, for now! I hoped that your day at the Gulf had more of those lovely moments, those moments you certainly deserve. The tropical storm season is only beginning, so there are months of prayer and years of work ahead. They have just found a dead sperm whale and are testing it.Thanks, Sharon, for being another small person who cares. Mara
Yes, the powerlessness,
Yes, the powerlessness, Mara. It would be nice if BP had the heart to hear this message--and others too that seem to make decisions that do not seem in line with sustaining all life. Hearing you read your poem is moving.
There are many poems, many
There are many poems, many videos, many brave photographers reacting to this insanity, but the effects of these personal efforts may never be properly judged.
Rebb, thanks so much for your support. Tiny drops of water can wear away stone.