Desolation Wilderness
Irene Lipshin
For the Children, for the future
When we try to pick out anything by itself,
we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.
Crossing the raging Upper Falls
on Glen Alpine Trail my son and I balance
packs lunch poles
hike in snow without snowshoes or skis
seventy degrees aria of water
rush of spray May melting black bear
trout lupine shooting stars
we want to believe our wild earth’s promises a birthright
snow in high country a sip of clear creekwater
blue sky grandchildren scrambling
over smooth granite
windsong birdsong
Leonids with the naked eye
the mountain lion still on the mountain
Irene Lipshin has been a PEACE/CEASE member since 2003 and a teacher in Early Childhood Education, English as a Second Language, and higher education. As an activist for Children, Human Rights, Peace, and Justice, she has presented at Early Childhood conferences, CAEYC and NAEYC, and workshops using photography, poetry and writing as ways to connect with colleagues and students. And always incorporated Developmentally Appropriate Practices, hands-on and multicultural activities in the curriculum. Learning by doing. She is active in educational, political, social, and environmental movements that create positive change and opportunities for children and families. We are in this together.
