"Why?" by Chad Gardner
Inspired by a passage from Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver
Because we are beings who live in a world where one thing follows another.
Because correlation does not imply causation.
Because we don't know everything.
Because this is the only earth.
Because community gardens might be the only thing left that can save the world.
Because I need my neighbors.
Because my neighbors need me.
Because difference should be cherished.
Because every child deserves the chance to think for her or himself.
Because we are all part of the problem.
Because we grow from the wombs of mothers.
Because our zip codes are too predictive.
Because you are not self-made.
Because the stars were bright where I grew up.
Because I was taught to value that.
Because my teachers had high expectations of me.
Because everyone was there for me.
Because I am not self made either.
Because I must live this way.
Because I must leave it better than I found it.
Because soil, water, sunlight, and seeds produce life.
Because the taste of sun-warmed strawberries.
Because trees should be filled with birds.
Because homemade.
Because front porches.
Because my children.
Because theirs.