KMKM

Ebb and Flow  

The phrase “Ebb and Flow” refers to the rhythmic pattern of movement of water as the Earth’s natural ocean tides are influenced by the gravitational pull of the Moon.

The movement of the tides connect the salt water of the oceans with the fresh water of the rivers, creating dynamic transition zones called estuaries. Estuaries are among the most productive and ecologically important natural habitats in the world.

When we think figuratively of “Ebb and Flow” we often think in terms of positive and negative - good times and bad, decay or regrowth. I would like to take the metaphoric perspective of the Estuary. Neither one nor the other, it is precisely this back and forth that, taken together, creates the important place of change, safety, and new life.

This past year has caused tremendous pain and upheaval. We humans were washed out of our safe places, and like the starfish or seaweed clinging to the rock awaiting the return of high tide, we had to adapt to temporarily exist in a more dangerous environment. 

While sincerely mourning the losses that our fellow humans have suffered, I respectfully offer the idea that this year, 2021, has possibilities. This could be our Estuary year: a turning point of restoration, nurture, and healing. When the pandemic shut everything down and humans retreated, the natural world began to recover from our collective abuse. Wherever the natural world is restored, humans can thrive. The evidence is clear, the time to act is now. 

I see Hope in the Ebb.

Seaweed

Sea

Weed.

We call it a weed,

And yet -  it feeds us.

An egregious misnomer.  (blatant, glaring)

What is it about us

That we cannot recognize

This gift?

Sea weed? No. 

Sea Treasure.

So much more than 

A pirate’s take, it is

A primary producer.

A solar city.

An incubator.

A nursery.

The base of the foodweb.

We call it a weed.

These kelp forests

are coastal habitats,

Ocean ecosystems

That nurture marine life

With refuge and forage.

We call it a weed.

Food that floats,

And sways,

And dances.

We call it a weed.

It soaks up carbon,

And returns to us oxygen.

It cleans our air,

Water too.

This lifegiving miracle

That we call a weed

Is anything but.

We call it a weed.

It dries

And rehydrates -  Oh!

It is no small thing, this

Amazing voyager on the tides.