In a "Letter to Readers," editor June Cotner reveals that the intention of this paperback is an ecological celebration, complete with inspiring poems, interfaith prayers, and spiritual prose. There are eleven thematic sections:
- Nature and the Environment
- Honoring the Earth
- Cycles of Life
- Living Simply
- Our Children
- Honoring Animals
- Spirituality, Prayers and Blessings
- Joy, Praise and Gratitude
- Reflections
- Making Changes
- Inspiration
Cotner is the author or editor of 30 books and has a solid stable of poets, writers, and spiritual folk from whom she draws material for each volume.
Here are a few of our favorite short poems:
Earth Speaks
"Earth speaks:
I am here.
I have always been
and always will be.
Walk into my arms,
Feel my breath,
Love me
As you would a friend."
— Corrine De Winter
Gifts to Yourself
"Rise with the sun
Stretch with the breeze
Serve food with prayers
Nap after noon
Sleep with the moon."
— Sally Clark
No One Owns a Tree
"No one truly owns a tree — it is the gift of a moment
to the passerby who pauses to admire
its crown of gold in late September, a place of rest
to all the generations as they climb
into its generous embrace. A tree belongs to the birds
that make their home among its boughs
and to everyone who lingers in its shade
searching for glimpses of heaven
caught by its breath-giving branches."
— Emily Ruth Hazel
