SHELTERING IN PLACE Together on earth. A poem by Olivia Romo

Sheltering In Place Together on earth. Poem by Olivia Romo, photo by Carmen Taylor

Abiquiu Lake filled by the Rio Chama and feeding irrigation ditches in the Española Valley

With the surrender of the world we return to our fields. Witness the sunset give its sermon to the crops. Gaze — not into the eyes of your companions or the events of the world — but, finally, into yourself.

Purpose is now open for interpretation and, maybe, we are ready to listen to the teachings of the natural world.

We have finally learned that we are unmarried to our work and fathomed by the value of a dollar when the doors to all the stores are closed.

“Si tiene una tienda, atiéndala o véndala.”

The farmer is a devout companion to the silence and confined to his shovel. Withdrawn from the chaos and protected from hunger — there is no anxiety when you retreat to the land. Pacify all illness by washing your hands, with dirt. We learn from the earth how to answer the most urgent question of time: can we thrive in isolation? Are we homebound? Yes! Our bodies are bound to the earth and our neighbor, it is our only hope to survive.

You cannot break bread without breaking away from your urban facade. Re-open the ditch and irrigate your wheat! It’s time to thresh — away your commitments to capital, idols, and a history of greed. Emancipate your spirit from any fear, because from dirt you emerged and unto dirt you shall return.

Cease from travel and commit your body to creation. Cultivate hope from the seeds of your ancestors germinating in fallow soil. Forage for medicine and fast for now. Touch only those to whom you commit your life — nurturing your home, your children and your spouse. Reclaim your querencia, because place — is the most powerful protection. Let the mountains embrace you, and if you are lost pray to the chamiso or get a palm reading from the horned toad, he will point you the way!

Refrain — like the chorus who was forced to leave the chapel and harmonize with the rain! Crescendo over the valley with the sheep. Cut a circle — your horses are the true guardians of those cows and this beautiful range. Gather with the aspens and congregate with the birds. Dance with the smoke from your palo santo, cedar and sweet grass.

The corn teaches us that sometimes we cannot withstand illness, infestation, and drought — but our seeds will always remember their survival songs. They will adapt and overcome any stress with their genetic memory. Praise the emerging generation as they enrich a new world.

Too many are displaced, and we are finally suffering the consequences of those inequalities. So share the food from your garden, heavy fruit trees, and especially from your heart — everyone is in need!

Refrain — of filling your life with drink, flesh, and riches — now is your time to cleanse and align. Learn from the serenity of our acequias flowing over the land graciously without any recognition or praise. Humble your cravings. Harvest your vegetables and deliver a basket of appreciation to your friend.

Sweat in harmony with the calling of the earth. Sweat in solitude, the lodge is the womb. Stand with your shovel y tapar la cara knowing that millions of eyes are watching and mouths are needing to be fed. Stick by your shovels! Have faith in your seeds! Remember that true resilience is succumbing to the constant duties of the earth — not just in times of need. 11