Michael Jackson, 1958-2009

Michael Jackson loved in broad strokes. In his lesser known "Earth Song," MJ sings: "What about animals? We've turned kingdoms to dust." We see a monkey’s jungle bulldozed. A poached, dead elephant. A hunter's club against a seal's head. A dolphin trapped in a giant trawler net...

Later, Michael "rewinds" images of animal and human violence. The fallen elephant stands, his tusks restored. Seals flourish on the ice floes. A dolphin swims free. Chopped trees rise again. Hope returns to faces.

Michael Jackson had a child-like faith in restoration, even as his own world crumbled. I am surprised by the depth of my feelings, but I can't help it. I miss MIchael, for all that he was and could have become.

I can't help it. I cry and dance and cry and dance. Joy and despair, set to MJ music... You really did want to “Heal the World.” Thank you Michael Jackson. You are finally free.

DISCLAIMER: Kinship Circle does not believe wild animals should be held in captivity for any reason. However, some of us dispute claims that Michael Jackson abused or abandoned his animals, most of whom were rescued from the entertainment industry.

Long-time animal rights activist Tippi Hedren (whose sanctuary Shambala cares for Jackson tigers Thriller and Sabu) says MJ’s animals were “beautifully treated.” Hedren says Michael asked her vet to find “the best homes in the U.S. for them” when financial woes forced him to give up his beloved animals... READ MORE

PHOTO: Michael Jackson's tigers: THRILLER AND SABU, who now reside at actress Tippi Hedren’s sanctuary, Shambala.