BUT FIRST, A POEM
Keeping Quiet
by Pablo Neruda
Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
Fishermen in the cold sea
would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt
would look at his hurt hands.
Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their brothers
in the shade, doing nothing.
What I want should not be confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.
Perhaps the earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now I’ll count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.
OUR NEXT SERVICE | 3.23.25 @ 11am
Fall Creek in Felton, CA
Another one of our favs. This trail runs along Fall Creek herself, and heads up into some old lime kilns. We’ll explore.
Below are the deets:
Date: Sunday, March 23rd
Time: 11am-2pm-ish (we are not timely, so please don’t be in a rush!)
Map of All The Things: Ongoing Nature Church Map
Distance and Elevation: ~3-5 miles / elevation tbd
Meeting Spot: Look on the “Map of All The Things” above. We will meet in the main parking lot off of Felton Empire Road.
NOTE! This is a NO DOGS LOCATION: Sadly, dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
Please respond within 24 hours if you think you can make it! We will be leaving to walk by 11:20am, so if you are not there by then, please note it may be tough to find us as there is limited cell reception.
Feel free to text Rob or I the day of with updates/questions:
Serafina: 408-497-1313
Rob: 408-722-6336
You’re welcome to hike for as long as you want and can always turn around and head back whenever you need. There are no real rules to this adventure. Just note that this is a highly fluid experience and not a rigid one. We try not to rush as to experience nature and each other. This is not intended to be a “workout” although of course, you will get movement! That being said, take what you need and honor your own experience.
We will be grabbing lunch at The Grove downtown Felton if you’d like to join us.