Ode to Dancing Rabbit

Nervous. Eager. Hopeful. These words describe how I was feeling after being accepted to take part in a recent visitor program at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage.

One observation of the village is the people. They truly are a community. Every person with whom I spoke was honest, kind and genuine. Each was willing to share their learning and there is a continued drive to improve upon methods currently being used to raise food or build buildings. The respectful way that people speak with one another is refreshing. Whether in group meetings or with interpersonal communication, each voice and idea is valued. This is rare in our society these days. Particularly of interest to me were the interactions between adults and the children who were living in and visiting the community. Children were included in meetings if they wished and it was clear there is a high level of trust. The food we had to eat was delicious! I tried new things and helped to make some of the meals. Starting with freshly picked, organically grown ingredients always makes a meal better. As I conclude my two weeks of living here, my mind is swimming in possibilities to research and try. Upon my return to Wisconsin, I plan to build my own solar oven and solar food dehydrator. I learned several garden techniques that should help me to increase my yield and improve upon my soil. More importantly, I have developed friendships and connections with people who are willing to freely share their thoughts to better help take care of this planet. My nerves have been calmed and I remain eager and hopeful; eager to try out many ideas and hopeful that more people will learn that living more sustainably can improve one’s quality of life. To express my appreciation to the Rabbits for welcoming us into their village for two weeks and to explain a bit more about their ways, I wrote them this simple poem.

Ode to Dancing Rabbit

In the rural part of Missouri,

the northeast corner of the state,

You find a thriving community

So step on through their gate

Amazing people living there

In harmony with the earth

Whose vision has remained

In the twenty years since birth

They use the wind and the sun

To generate their power,

They use their kilowatts sparingly

Conserving every hour

Every little scrap is used

Before they decide to chuck it

You’ll even find them saving waste

And pooping in a bucket

No personal vehicles are allowed

A few shared cars are all they need

Many resort to walking

Or use bikes as their trusty steed

Although they work quite hard

They like to have their fun

From Ultimate to swimming

They kick back when the work is done.

No chemicals or fossil fuels

Are used to grow their food

All of this delicious, healthy produce

Just has to help one’s mood

They build their buildings with the earth

In ways that are very green

Some of the household dwellings

As unique as ever seen

Water is a precious resource

Conserving every day,

From solar showers to grey water

In cisterns out of the way

Minimizing their footprint on the earth

In a way that is sustainable,

Proving to each and all of us

A more gentle impact is attainable

Women and men are equals here

Each valued for their labor

Compassion is practiced readily

As is kindness toward one’s neighbor

Decisions are made with consensus

All must decide to agree

The community’s peace is the goal

More than just you or me

Listen to them dear friends

And take their practice to heart

Healing the earth is a journey

And it is important that we start.

As you pass the village on its gravel road

You just can’t keep from glancing

If you look over to the community house

You just may see rabbits dancing. (Deena Dawn Larsen is a teacher from Wisconsin. She can be contacted at: peacefuldeena@gmail.com)