Poetry Friday
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| Fresh Start Farms - Dunbarton, NH |
Do you recognize this scenario that is being played out in different ways across our land and others? Farmland in our little New Hampshire town is now farmed by Somali-Bantu, Congolese and Bhutanese farmers. Local housing is part of a long range plan.
If your area does not have new farmers to welcome, perhaps you have new Americans or folks hoping to become Americans who contribute to your communities in other ways. How are they being welcomed?
Our church has opened a dialogue with these farmers from Fresh Start Farms. We will host them as they present their work during our worship service this Sunday on Earth Day and honor them with a luncheon following.
To encourage our new neighbors' integration into our community, we started with BOOKS, of course. We recommended a dozen current titles with children of color as main characters to our public and school libraries. They were purchased this spring.
Of course the libraries needed CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR: Poems of Race, Mistakes and Friendship by dear Poetry Friday colleagues Irene Latham and Charles Waters.
What can I say about this book? Parallel poems that celebrate the similarities and differences of two cultures. A picture book in verse. All of our common middle school experiences that will break your heart all over again. The story of an evolving friendship between two reluctant classmates depicted both in words and in the facial expressions skillfully assigned by illustrators Sean Qualls and Selina Alko. A precious jewel on any bookshelf.
CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR is a joy, a hope, a promise. A promise I make to work for a future where every Charles and Irene can be friends.
I've been visiting a local refugee center, helping them with books from the used bookstore where I work. Their needs are broad & the center holds classes, has free medical & dental care, a teen room for help after school, a pre-school. This particular area helps many that are from Africa, but the farming idea is new to me. I will ask. Yes, Irene's & Charles' book is wonderful, a great one to give. Thanks, Joyce.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to know of your refugee work, Linda. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteOh my goodness, I love this so much. A sari-clad farmer in New Hampshire!
ReplyDeleteIt is so wonderful, Ruth. Their presence certainly brings refugee issues very close to us. Our church looks forward to supporting their efforts and learning from them, as well.
DeleteI love the farmers! I hope they find hope and peace in their new home as well as a warm welcome
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kay. I do, too.
DeleteI love this book. It's a wonderful recommendation for your community.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Kimberly.
DeleteThis is a book that can help both communities bridge their differences. Perfect pick.
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteYour church sounds very welcoming, and how smart to start with books (especially that one)! Lovely photo. That looks like a beautiful farm!
ReplyDeleteTabatha,the farm is expanding to include raspberries, and fruit trees. There are high tunnels, but no buildings as yet.
DeleteI love Irene and Charles' book and the conversations the two characters have. The farming program happening in your community -- wow. We need more of this healing, helping, and feeding.
ReplyDeleteWonderful book recommendation and your church community sounds amazing. I'm so happy to hear about the farming program and all other steps taken that lead us to a better world.
ReplyDelete