Gather We Must

With right intention and purpose clear
Abiding faith and vanquished fear
Heed the warnings and the plea
Heard in the winds and the sea
Pillage not the earth that gives
To each and all that grows and lives
Gather we must a knowing wise
Step beyond the perpetrated lies
Poisoned profits no longer to bear
Each child's call is for our care
Health and well being priorities set
The challenge of change to be met.


Rose Marie Raccioppi



Children Playing on the Beach, 1884, Mary Cassatt, American, 1844 - 1926, oil on canvas, 38 3/8 x 29 3/16 in., Ailsa Mellon Bruce Collection, 1970.17.19

Abundance Be

Ravage not the land nor sea
Heed the echoed cry and plea
Heard in the crashing wave and thunderous sky
In valleys, plains and mountains high
Hold this Earth in reverent care
Protect our gifts of water and air
Take not in abuse a mineral or gem
Behold the wonder of each bloom, leaf and stem
Trees to flourish, 'tis bounty's call
The knowing grace of Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Earth, animals, a you, a me
Nurture wise and abundance be.

Rose Marie Raccioppi