As we celebrate Earth Day 2010, HBC poet Florence Harper Haney shares this reflection based on Revelations 7:3a- "Hurt Not The Earth."  Accompanying photos by Charles Phillips...

Hurt Not The Earth

by Florence Harper Haney

"Hurt not the Earth, neither the Sea, nor the Trees." - Revelations 7:3A

Hurt, multiplied by years, cannot be healed in a day.

Not in a thousand days, can we our debt repay!

The hurt must not slash ever deeper, deeper!

Earth healed herself through blessed centuries of time.

Neither beast nor bird, nor bright lily of the field,

The answer must give, "Am I my brother's keeper?"

Sea and land, harsh-stripped, echo our repeated crime.

Nor even age-old redwood monarchs find a shield.

The tired earth cries out, "Oh, heal me!"  Is is too late?

Trees, beasts and birds.  Why must they share our deadly fate?

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This poem is reprinted here by permission of the author, Florence Harper Haney.  For permission to reprint, please contact Mrs. Haney via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  The accompanying photos are of the Heritage Baptist Rain Gardens and were made by photographer Charles Phillips.