Prayer Vigil across from Alligator Alcatraz

Dear Congregation,

This past Sunday Bianca, Anita Smith, and I represented CCC at the weekly Prayer Vigil across from Alligator Alcatraz. We were privileged to hear this poem read by its author Kathleen M. Nealon. I think it is wonderful and share it with you below.

See you in church!

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Candy

Pondering Perspectives Beyond People’s

Dearest alligator, it seems we have insulted your species, erecting an absolute atrocity in your eco-system, and then using your name without even considering if you’d consent, and assuming fear of you would prevent detainee from becoming escapee. It is very clear, you alligator, are not the monster here.

Rosette spoonbill you see the stain on the land as you fly overhead, what do you think when you notice humans held in cages? there is no way to see this suffering through glasses the color of your plumage… Surely you can not fathom that the so called crimes committed have to do with people lacking proper papers, crossing boarders that even a great eagle’s eye could not see from above because the boundaries exist only on people’s papers, (hu)man made maps.

Bald Cypress, still standing tall through so much history, you have survived threats and witnessed much, and suddenly you tower above something so inhumane that was hastily placed in your home, perhaps your height and longevity help you to trust that current conditions will pass; and still you provide shade, and air to all as you stand tall witnessing events that bring humane humans to our knees.

Orchid, a plant of a different species provides you hospitality, a place to live, grow, and bloom, does your flower face not frown when you are aware of the inhospitable, and inhumane horrors people have placed upon others of their own species here?

Florida Soft Shell Turtle, According to the internet you only occasionally cross roads, for example during the dry season making a dangerous journey to water, simply for the sake of survival; I wonder then if you have compassion for the people imprisoned for essentially doing the same, perhaps you have more empathy than some humans do; for it seems many have pulled their heads into invisible shells so as not to see, instead they dwell in the depths of denial or amid avid apathy.

Migrating monarchs, beautiful butterflies while passing by you get a glimpse of people imprisoned in unnatural cocoons of cruelty, please pray that perhaps positive transformation will eventually emerge ending hurting humans’ fearful flighting, instead allowing all to freely fly.

Everglades edible and medicinal plants, you who possess properties to nurture, nourish, heal and help which go untapped while your habitat has been invaded, taken, turned into an improper prison where pain is intentionally perpetrated upon people by people who also actually possess an untapped potential to promote peace.

Let us pray: For all of the creatures, plants, animals, elements including those not specifically named, and for the people imprisoned and their families, let us take a moment of silent stillness, let us ask for forgiveness on behalf of humanity, let us listen deeply, pondering perspectives and let us contemplate our call to live from the truth of our inter-connection, the kinship and unity of all.

By: Kathleen M. Nealon