To be prepared for the destructive aspects of a fire, any fire, requires time, effort and money into setting up a system that is in place if need be. Hopefully, though, the system will never be called upon to water down the encroaching fire, real or otherwise.
What I am asking is what do I need to do in order to have access to a source of water that will dampen the flames of destruction?
Two days ago my neighbour, Steve, and I worked all day putting in an extension of the water line from the dam to the house and then connecting it to a fire reel and hose at the far wall in the top photo.
We both walked away from the job exhausted. The only hint that we had done any work at all the whole day was the scarred line of replaced turf grass over the buried water pipe… and my sore knees as I hobbled down to the beach for a none too vigourous swim.
From the water, as I draped my tired body over the boogie board and floated aimlessly, I looked up towards the house and land and wondered whether or not this “defensive” approach to protecting the house/myself/valuables was worth it. Could I not just live more fully in “trust” and pray daily for everything to be looked after and, in effect, not tire myself out so much looking after my land and house.
Maybe yes, maybe no. This morning I am coming down on the side of a more disciplined preparation.
Especially as it concerns acts of civil disobedience.
I say this because tomorrow I will drive into Hobart to be at the police station when Neil Smith, also known as Hector the Forest Protector, becomes the latest political prisoner in Tasmania when he begins serving a jail sentence of 51 days for refusing to pay a $5,000 fine for “interfering with the operation of a vehicle” during a protest to save an ancient, old growth called Mother Cummings.
While Neil was perched in a tree, an excavator had to deviate around this tree delaying it for about 20 minutes. The law under which Neil was charged was repealed in January 2000, but the present government has refused to drop his sentence choosing instead to make him a political prisoner because of his environmental stand.
The only photo I have of Neil shows him (wearing glasses) standing behind Heather Rose, spokesperson for Artists for Forests, during the chilly August morning of the Parliament House Vigil. With hands up, Heather seems to be saying to those in Parliament House (behind the camera): “Stay away from Hector the Forest Protector”.
When in jail, what will serve the well being of Neil Smith? Does this quiet looking man have any defensive preparations ready for his incarceration? Over the years has Neil done the necessary emotional, physical and spiritual work to lay the water pipe that up until now has remained hidden? Does he have an inner source of water to use to put out whatever fires of anger, resentment and hatred will torment him in jail? Fires started by others but capable of burning him out.
Our prayers are with you Neil……. Stay strong.
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