April 2025 Newsletter
- Theodore Bennett
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
I had an opportunity this last month to work at a sanctuary down South Point with Rashani, who at one time developed Earth Song, a sanctuary further up South Point Road. I found myself in a sea of grass, wondering how I could help her with her nearly impossible task of maintaining about 20 acres of land. What she has done there, and I am sure with help, has been absolutely amazing. I pressed into the land bit by bit, bite by bite, weed by weed, chunk by chunk and vine by vine, until, finally, I had opened up a small space so that the plants originally designed for that space could thrive.
I don’t know how many of you can relate to what I am describing; a job that is difficult, but not impossible. At first blush, it seems impossible and difficult. Having opened up this small space, I had increased my circulation and breathing, but I felt about to overheat. Rashani peacefully and pleasantly said, “Why don’t you lie there on the earth and in the shade and I will recite a poem for you. Do you have seven minutes?” I definitely had seven minutes. And she proceeded to recite Edna St. Vincent Millay’s “Renascence” or Rebirth.
“And all at once things seemed so small
My breath came short, and scare at all.” (Remember to breathe!)
“For my omniscience paid I toll
In infinite remorse of soul.
All sin was of my sinning,
all atoning mine, and mine
the gall of all regret.”
(Remember you don’t know everything and forgiveness begins with you.)
“O God, I cried, no dark disguise
Can ever hereafter hide from me
Thy radiant identity!” (Remember to find God in small (bugs and dirt) and large (earth and sky) of the garden.)
I encourage you to read this poem in full: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/55993/renascence
Whether life imitates art or art imitates life I do not know. We will begin a mural here Friday April 11 from 4pm to 6pm as a community effort by painting the background colors(North-green; East-yellow; South-blue; West-red). Everyone is welcome.
May 16 and 17 from 9am to 3pm we will be having our Spring Sale. Afterward, at 5pm on May 17, we will celebrate our Second Anniversary as a nursery with a Potluck. All welcome.
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