Imagine
we begin each day,
each encounter,
each interaction
with a treaty.
Conversations might
dance more directly
toward our humanity.
“I acknowledge
you deserve space to speak.”
“I acknowledge
you can teach me.”
“I acknowledge
our worth is equal.”
I acknowledge
I do not have all the answers.”
Our encounter with nature
would begin
“I acknowledge
I am a visitor here.”
“I acknowledge
I have no right to traple or displace
homes of animals, birds, insects.”
“I acknowledge
I may enjoy the abundance
only as one of millions of creatures.”
“I acknowledge
I have no governance over the land’s resources.”
To neighbors and strangers,
“I acknowledge
we are all just passing through.”
“I acknowledge
I must treat each person as a fellow traveler.”
Imagine.
*A poem in response to “Kulila” by Ali Cabby
A Reading Life 
Oh, Beth, thank you for sharing Ali Cobby Eckermann’s work. I did not know her writing, but want to read more. I appreciate the terms of your treaties; reminders that we must, absolutely must, move with more care, more humanity, and far less trampling.
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Beth, This is so beautiful. Its meaning will echo in me. Thank you!
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”Conversations might
dance more directly
toward our humanity.”
Treaties with each other and nature- imagine…
Love this!
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Your poem had me chasing down the one it was in response too. Thanks for the introduction to her. I very much enjoyed your poem and what it is making me think of.
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