Growing Belonging

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Growing up in an age of apocalyptic environmentalism, 
I became quite ashamed of this thing called being human. 

I thought we were the scum of the Earth, 
destroying ourselves like a parasitic cancer. 

Naturally, I didn't think I belonged here: 
I thought Life would be better if I just disappeared. 

It's been rough (to say the least), 
destroying self-worth and my self-esteem. 

But things started changing when I began to see 
how humans belong with the gifts that we bring: 

Some might even call us a keystone species 
as we shape our world into one that's thriving- 

with our big 'ole brains and neat technologies, 
we have the power to care for all things. 

It's a whole new reality for me to recognize 
that I am, in fact, an essential part of life. 

What a surprise! Who wudda thunk? 
School didn't teach to serve life with my spunk. 

Nature was a place Out There 
(that I had to drive to see),
and food came from the market; 
I never thought about it growing. 

Still, in love with the great outdoors, 
it's been my favorite place to be,
even as I felt outside of it, 
an onlooker to the scene. 

I have yearned for belonging 
(as I have always cared), 
but I didn't always know
how I'm needed here. 

But thanks to all the nature-nerds 
(who share with all their hearts), 
I've been given a chance 
to finally play my part. 

In community gardens and food forests, 
coastal clean-ups and stewardship, 

I've been included and lovingly taught 
by all the sweet hearts who care so much:

We belong on this Earth as we give of all this love.