Tell us the story again, the young-ones said to the Elder…how we
got our name. They gathered around the fire pit at dusk with their favorite toys
in hand and wrapped in blankets. With eyes wide, the young-ones settled into
stillness.
The story commenced as the Elder historian told his story once
more. We are the “Borrowers
Be” and this is our story.
At the beginning of our time we were known as the Borrowers
because “we
be wanting”. We were in need of all things as young people of the world.
We wanted food, shelter and clothing. We wanted comfort and hearth for our
young-ones. We travelled the lands to gather our wants and settle in this
place.
We settled in well as the land gave all we needed. We became known
as “we be
thriving”. Our stores were full from abundant crops and harvest and
it carried us through the sleeping season of frost.
The seasons suffered some years. The how and why of it I know not.
This time was called “we be lacking”. We did manage but all our
skills and talents were tested and taxed. We had to venture to new lands with
our concerns and doubt in tow…comfort no longer a steady friend. We did manage
as a community with our stores adequate to our needs.
Having lived long enough on the land to know the ‘mind of the
seasons’, we came to understand its variances. Our history then named us “we be balanced”
for we came to live with the cycles of nature. Our numbers grew. We maintained
our standards of wants for all. We thought ourselves a success as a community.
As time passed and our wants were met, there was a knowing of land
depletion. We managed. We reviewed our history. We sought an answer to
replenish the land. This was the time of “we be
seekers”. Our thoughts were brought together for answers to secure our
future.
Our thoughts and talents combined brought our strengths to the
front. We recalled the land as we first knew it. We remembered the best of the
landscapes. We remembered the best of ourselves. We chose to return its beauty.
We set our plans forward to the future and called this time “we be wise”.
Knowing this to be a timely but worthwhile venture, we set forth with our plan.
The community gathered as planned, bringing their gifts to the
land. This time, “we
be giving”. As the ground was turned, each family brought a select
gift…a single seed plus one…one for our garden and one for the land. Trees,
vines, berries and fruits were planted for restoration.
With the land restored, the streams flowed clean, the air smelled
fresh and the crops held greater bounty than ever before. Birds returned with a
sweeter song. Butterflies and honeybees made their homes with the abundant wild
flowers…and “we
be happy”.
Dearest young-ones, the Elder said, we are nearing the end of our
story. We are here on this land for an uncertain length of time. We commune
with land and nature and borrow from both. We learn their wisdom and balance.
We survive because we borrow, then return. We are the “Borrowers Be” for when we’re
one with one and all, they let the borrowers be.
Now young-ones, your favorite time is here. Adorn your wreaths of
flowers and garlands made from vine. Wave your boughs and branches and chant
around the fire.
“We, Wheeee!, the “Borrowers
Be”
One with land in
harmony
Balanced seekers,
wise are we
Giving back so
happily!”
The young-ones danced as the Elder smiled, so content in being a “Borrowers Be”…for
after all…“we
be love.”
Cathy
