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Fire Up the Hearts




AIMING FOR 350



fire up the clouds
poisoning the atmosphere
shrinking glacier








learning not learning
heating burning cutting
shrinking forests











fire up the hearts
lighting up the leadership
shrinking pollutants









bonding together
reaching out across the miles
shrinking the world








demonstrating hope
from New Zealand round the world
multi-cultural









sharing in distance
close friends circle the planet
one world standards











joining in purpose
three fifty goals to meet
one world united






















AIMING FOR 350

Author notes

Prompt:
"the edge of the receding glacier"
from "Habitation"
by Margaret Atwood

"Marriage is not
a house or even a tent

it is before that, and colder:

the edge of the forest, the edge
of the desert
the unpainted stairs
at the back where we squat
outside, eating popcorn

the edge of the receding glacier

where painfully and with wonder
at having survived even
this far

we are learning to make fire"




Inter-personal relationships extrapolated to the world,
for we must pay attention to each other. Voices must
be heard and respected. The prompt interpreted as to
marriage of the minds, unison of purpose around the world.


For more information on lowering CO2 to 350 parts per million, see:
http://www.350.org/

and the Copenhagen conference:
http://en.cop15.dk/#

The 350 day events started at dawn in New Zeeland,
Saturday, October 24, 2009 and moved to 5,200 sites
around the world.


A contest entry

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Comments

1 - 42 of 42

  • Howard Manser gold member
    November 21
    ?
    Edit | Reply

    Too Good

    The message well stated. Well constructed with appropriate images. The goal, a better cleaner self-sustaining global community, noteworthy! Sorry for the little rant below, but I cannot afford anything more being done for my own good ‘cause I ain’t smart enough to know better. I may have missed the point.

    "fire up the clouds
    poisoning the atmosphere
    shrinking glacier"

    Glaciers shrink while others grow. There are more Polar Bears now than there were 50 years ago. They swim to hunt from ice flow to ice flow. The forests of South American being decimated will once again teach the “Aztecs” the wisdom of their folly. Dissipating the great reefs will leave many hungry and a few rich. And, a planet out of balance will regain stability, best, without the ill-conceived intervention of the self-anointed.

    Stewardship is the key, not arrogant irrational intervention as some would believe that the plant would be so much better without man … but who would be left to enjoy it. The cockroaches living in the shadows, the sharks preying on the flesh of the innocent, or predators killing at will. Opps! Sounds likes like humanity all over again.

    Too bad Global Warming is a hoax to subjugate the masses, reduce modern nations to subsistence, and create a grass-hut utopia. Sanity and reasoning the exception, emotion the equation, and self-propagating arrogance the conclusion. Science by consensus is junk science. Follow the money. Who's getting rich and who is not being kissed.

    The perpetrator postulates plausible phony hypothesis based on purposely-constructed computer models to explain tampered information to reach a foregone conclusion that perpetuates their goals.

    “joining in purpose
    three fifty goals to meet
    one world united”

    with which tyrants in charge to enforce the rules … The United Nations, The Illuminati, ELF, Al Gore or Prince Phillip?

    Opinions are what they are and God in tittles each of us to one, also.

    Howard


    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      November 22
      ?
      Edit | Reply
      Great "rant," Howard.

      Expressing strong opinions
      keeps us and the world lively
      as varied beliefs are examined.

      I shall submit a tongue-in-cheek
      premise---that the world keeps
      its balance because some of us
      lean so far to the left and others
      lean so far to the right. If we
      were all passionately on the same page
      there might be a melt-down. And of
      course that would be true global warming--
      so good that opposite opinions can converse!!

      M-C

      • Howard Manser gold member
        November 22
        ?
        Edit | Reply

        Aesthete2000

        You are exactly "right". LOL In the US the balance is about 33% - 33% - 33%. Left, right, and independent. The independents are often the ones who cheer for the winning team. Team doesn't matter, just so it is winning. The numbers vary by issue. The far right and far left can't hear very well and have poor vision. A genetic defect found in people with large egos. If everyone had the same opinion and were on the same side, the world would wabble out of control and spin off into say the dark ages. Sort of like being a women in say Iran today.

        When we get to this Grass Hut Utopia I hope there are dancing girls in grass skirts so the pig cooked in a hole in the ground tastes better (PITA permitting). BTW, Did you know Hitler was a vegetarian. Go figure! Howard

        • Aesthete2000 gold member
          November 22
          ?
          Edit | Reply
          Ah, Howard, you are so clever!
          "...spin off into say the dark ages.."
          Just imagine how learned the inhabitants of the dark ages
          believed themselves to be. It is rather humbling to contemplate
          how "backward" we might be considered by societies of the future.
          On the other hand, as novels and films have depicted, the future
          dwellers may exist in subterranean pasaageways, and have artifacts from our times vaulted away for safe keeping.

          We take so many things for granted, argue over perception.
          Hopefully, the future will see redeeming efforts in the next years.

          Can't really say the vegetarian thing strikes a memory chord,
          but I've see many ill-placed moustaches in recent weeks!!

          M-C

          • Howard Manser gold member
            November 22
            ?
            Edit | Reply

            Aesthete2000

            The vegetarian thing is actually true, but gets lost in any good Nazi discussion. His personal doctor gave him something like "Beano" everyday to control the gas. Imagine live in the bunker. Had he been a right winger and veggies were a bad thing, well... He was a socialist who believed in war, but he hated communists. He hated Jews but got them to find guns and weapons for him after WW1. He built great roads, best in the world and some fantastic building (great bunkers too). And he was a decorated war hero, winning the Iron Cross twice. How could you not just love the guy
            Since we can't eat the fish, the animals, or cut the trees; I'm investing in Golf Courses. I see a grass shortage coming. Eating grass raw does cut downing energy use, but it does give rise to the greenhouse gas problem and the whole cow and sheep farts thing. Imagine cave dwelling and grass farts. Might be worse than beer and boiled eggs. And while I am thinking of it, why are abortions bad and scrambled eggs good? "Food" for thought. Howard

            • Aesthete2000 gold member
              November 22
              ?
              Edit | Reply
              Forever the optimist I am,
              believing there has to be some good
              in everyone, no matter conflicting evidence!!

              M-C


  • bigperm gold member
    November 9

    Edit | Reply

    this one slipped by me

    I'm glad to see such a noble cause represented. It should be pretty obviouse to most that our world is changing too quickly and not for the better. My mother took my son to Mall of America last week, and the temps were in the high 60's. It's November and that's almost in freakin Canada for cryin out loud. Something's up. lol

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      November 9
      Edit | Reply
      But there were frost nights in June
      and in September mext door in WI.
      We are enjoying a warm November,
      too, after having to cover my
      front porch Autumn display
      for a week at a time to keep
      it till at least Halloween!

      I appreciate your concern!
      That was a dynamic weekend event!!

      M-C





  • davidb7869 silver member
    October 27

    Edit | Reply
    mmmmmm...very very nice material here..hope you are doing okay btw!!!


    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      November 2
      Edit | Reply
      Yes, always in good spirits!
      Creative thinking brings
      all sorts of solutions
      toward getting things done!!

      M-C

  • drifting cloud silver member
    October 27

    Edit | Reply
    Another work of art - both poetic and in the pictures. This could be part of the group's presentation!.


    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      November 2
      Edit | Reply
      It was good to see so many poeple coming together,
      passionate about a cause so long pushed aside.

      • Aesthete2000 gold member
        November 2
        Edit | Reply
        I just had to clelbrate with them---\
        put it all together---such a dramatic
        outpouring of spirit and feeling.
        If it could only be done everyday--
        so more would take notice of the
        desire in the heats.
        M-C


  • Shakes-spear
    October 26

    Edit | Reply

    Awsome

    I wish that people would be even half as smart as you seem! great job on this. Good luck in the contest, but more so in life! God Bless You! The Shaker

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 26
      Edit | Reply
      Hey, I notice you leave a nice affirmation
      in your comments. Great to see that on the page!!

      A thank you to The Shaker!

      M-C


  • hoeftra gold member
    October 26

    Edit | Reply

    Wonderful, Awesome, word I don't use

    Great compilation of photos. But I have to check credibility at the door when you equate the dramatic opening scene of moving fire on desolate snow atop desolated ground as you do. What harm is this, especially with its quick movement might have meant it was put out quickly and lasted only long enough to take the photo. Am I missing something, Arty?

    If you had to gather all these photos, then I say a valient effort.

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 26
      Edit | Reply
      Oh, sorry, Jack---the words came first, the first two groups---
      and the glowing 350 was just chosen to highlight the title
      and to accent the contest theme.

      The words were decrying the situation that already exists,
      not the beautiful diplay in the photo. After the first two
      groups of words, the tone changes to the unity of the demonstrations
      all around the world---so many voices raised in support,
      hoping by unison to be heard,

      Sorry I didn't make it clearer!

      But, hey! Good to see you.

      Arty


  • Pisces rainbow gold member
    October 25

    Edit | Reply

    UNITED WE ALL STAND

    UNITY BRING BALANCE

     

    to give is to recieve

    we tend to take more than we give

     

    We need to care for the earth, it gives us life, it provides all we need, yet we do not give back

     

    we deplete it and it is dieing

    the only way to create balance is if we stand together

     

    we are all in this together, we are all effected

     

    your photos scream this truth very loudy and very beautifully

     

     

     

    a wonderful pleasure

    no surprise you would be concerned

     

     

    God bless you my friend...

     

     

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 26
      Edit | Reply
      "...the only way to create balance is if we stand together..."
      Now that is a striking thought, Kathy! and so well illustrated
      by the weekend event.

      There has been a "taking" theme for too many years,
      eight for sure, and a dissing of earth and it's
      sustainment requirements.

      Smiling---"no surprise"--as you are so familiar
      with my work, the viess, the occasional political rant!!

      Thank you for your expressive reply, Kathy.

      M-C


  • arafura gold member
    October 25
    Edit | Reply
    I'm with you my friend!

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 26
      Edit | Reply
      Good to hear!

      There is a Sydney pic above.
      Noting--the event started in New Zealand.

      Nice to see you, John!

      M-C


  • Denerica
    October 25

    Edit | Reply
    Wow what an advocate you are...astounding words and wonderful pics. Excellent. Blessings.

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 26
      Edit | Reply
      The unity---so many people from all over the world--
      was so striking---as were the photos that documented
      the event--that I wanted to do my part, sending them
      onward to others.

      Thank you, Denise,

      M-C


  • Olivias Violin
    October 25
    Edit | Reply
    I had not heard about this; it's awesome!!

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 26
      Edit | Reply
      I thought the visuals were astounding
      when all grouped together. They reminded
      me of your colorful descriptions of birds,
      flowers, animals wild and tame, flowers
      and trees all interwoven in the scenes
      you describe. Here, humanity joins humainty
      across the globe in colorful union!

      M-C


  • Jayde1
    October 25

    Edit | Reply

    excellent

    this was awesome as always my friend...
    nicely penned and the photo's were
    awesome....


    bonding together
    reaching out across the miles
    shrinking the world


    loved this bit..

    nice one and well done for this


    Jayde

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 26
      Edit | Reply
      Well, Jayde, you have certainly
      shrunk distance in recent months!!

      I was in happy mode when I found
      this great selection of photos sent
      into the 350.org site, Each was so
      exciting in itself--but essayed
      together---true unity--voices loud
      enough to be heard, perhaps!

      M-C


  • UncleDunk gold member
    October 25

    Edit | Reply
    I loved the pictures. They stretched the stanzas out so far, though, I had to cut and paste them all into wordpad to read the poem as a whole! As always, the words you chose were inspired and unique to you. You have style.

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 26
      Edit | Reply
      Well, aren't you the enterprising reader!!!
      Amazing! Thank you for putting that effort
      into seeing the words as a whole.

      I was so intrigued by the photos that they,
      to me, were the stars, and the haiku/senryu
      word groupings became my captions. My focus,
      to show the unity of purpose, as well as to
      showcase scenes from countries in which my
      readers reside.

      Thank you, Unc, for your interest--and the
      style comment. Artists and liberal ranters
      live by style, I confess!!!

      M-C




  • Rick Weston silver member
    October 25

    Edit | Reply
    350 message shared in all those displays and through your entry here.

    nicely shared.


    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 26
      Edit | Reply
      Seemed a good opportunity
      to spread the word, Rick!

      Nice to see you!

      M-C


  • PorcelainHope
    October 25

    Edit | Reply
    I was wondering what "350" was when I commented on the piece without the pics, now I know. The piece is more powerful and breathes a stronger positivity with pics presented in between lines.

    I guess I got ahead of myself as well commenting on a piece from you without any visuals, because that never happens.

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 25
      Edit | Reply
      I was so mesmerized by the photos
      I wanted to put them together,
      to keep them in sight!

      The pic with the bushy green 350
      is from Quezon--right above
      "sharing in distance..."

      Thank you!!!

      M-C


  • pixiestix gold member
    October 25

    Edit | Reply
    Wonderful take on the prompt!

    I think its wonderful you decided to write and artfully design a piece to raise awareness and highlight efforts around the world to save our planet.

    I think of the TV commercial with Noah Wylie pleading to save the polar bears when I think of polar ice melt which always seems to bring a tear to my eye.

    Thanks for entering this wonderful piece in the contest.

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      November 2
      Edit | Reply
      Hey, firestixie!
      Great, creative entries
      in your fire contest!!!
      Thanks for honoring
      my rant with the green

      Aes

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 25
      Edit | Reply
      Thanks Ms. Firestix!

      When I saw all the pix I could include
      I couldn't resist! And it had the glacier
      and the fire---what more could I want.

      Oh, I remember that promo---yes, a teary
      eye--seeing the bears on this tiny scrap of ice--
      or so it seems in photos!

  • Yemassee gold member
    October 25
    Edit | Reply
    I wonder how many man hours went into all those 350 insignias for the photo ops? Imagine if they actually put those hours into actually doing something like planting trees, or picking up trash. They made a pretty human sunflower though. It also takes time away from going out to their local Whole foods store and buying organic barley or turnip powder.

    Here, in this poem, the learning process is that of understanding our effect on the environment. Sadly, it'll fail. Look how Bush and Obama rushed to save the corporations when they were in financial trouble...no way they'll do anything too drastic that might hamper these golden calves and without changing the lust for mammon, we better just enjoy watching the ice caps melt.

    But it's great that you want to see change. I do too, I just kassume it's nearly impossible.

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 25
      Edit | Reply
      Comments from poeple around the world
      reflect renewed enthusiasm because they
      see Obama as a hopeful catalyst.

      The coperative efforts of all the participants
      signify the all-together major push that is
      needed to ever bring change. Yes, it would have
      been good to actually plant something, it's
      so much bigger than that, beyond the one person doing
      something. The push leads up to the Copenhagen conferemce
      coming soon.

      It did give hope to see all the particpants---so many
      countries involved.

      • Yemassee gold member
        October 25

        Edit | Reply
        One problem. It's in Copehagen. I doubt it'll get much air play on American and Chinese television.

        I can't even sweep my floor, I can't imagine cleaning up CO2.

        • Aesthete2000 gold member
          October 25
          Edit | Reply
          Hah! And of course you picked the two
          where it could make the most difference.
          All that concrete that's gone to China--
          all the roads created---spewing more
          killer stuff!!

          Can't sweep your floor? Try Dollar Store
          dust mops--much more user friendly!
          And I know you'd like the price!!!


  • waydownuponjoy
    October 25

    Edit | Reply

    I have not heard ...

    about this 350 deal that you did such a good display of! Perhaps the clues are in the contest, (which I didn't get to yet!) I do find that your presentation tickled my mind to want to know more ... Maybe your AN would add some more clues. All in all I like the whole concept anytime that others unite for the good of all! jy

    • Aesthete2000 gold member
      October 25
      Edit | Reply
      I strayed far afield from Pixie's contest
      but was fired up by the world-wide demonstrations
      held Saturday on 5,200 sites. The link will tell more.
      I used the words of her prompts but applied them differently!!

      M-C

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