FTP-Feed the People

This event became rather confusing as we attempted to keep it going. On an individual level, people started out feeling motivated and then all of the issues below the surface began to rise.

There were attempts at smearing the reputations of people who were trying to help out and be allies to the cause, there were accusations of elder abuse when participants who were younger began to be critical of those who were older and more established. One of the issues at the heart of many of these conflicts is the idea that a person must criticize and step on the toes of people who have been organizing and working for a number of different causes, in order to establish their own leadership, when in fact, people would be better off learning from the stories of those who have done such events and actions many times before.

Our intention, and we did have a mission statement, was to hold space for people who wanted to paint, get a chance to rock the mic, or sell crafts and so forth. the only alcohol or sugar available was sold for a small price. All other food was free and nutritious.

In many ways, the 2 events were successful and now we want to find another location. If more drama ensues, we will handle it with compassion and patience. We are committed to the vision of starting momentum. We are creating a model for organizing it in a way that shows awareness for people who can follow our model and make it happen in other communities that are thirsty and hungry for welcoming arts/food/crafts/music spaces that are built from the ground up, as a labor of love.

unconditional

on the forest floor
there are
sea shells
broken and quiet
the ocean was there
left her mark

on the ocean bed floor
there are many leaves
soft, green, comforting
the forest was there
left her mark

we make this dream
out of moments
handed to us
as offerings
we can hardly
recognize

and so
pull from me
all that you desire
i have access to all that is
was and shall be

and so
give to me
all that you suppose i desire
you have access to all that
is, was, and shall be

and so
water quenches your thirst
without asking who you are
or what you have done

and so
earth shelters you
without asking who you are
or where you have been

and so
the fires of the sun star in the distance
warm you
light your way
the fires you build
into your grids maintaining your survival
still warm you
but do not ask, have never asked, will never ask
what you are doing here, why you have come
needing what you need

when in truth
you are
some part of
all that is
was and
shall be