Jose Jimenez, Getty Images,Puerto Rico
These hurricanes
these
fires
droughts
flash floods
this quaking earth
not the work of Jah or Allah or God
not natural disasters labeled and proclaimed
they are the work of
We
I and I
You and me
they are the work of unconsciousness
of ignorance
of laziness
of ego and fear
They are the work of denial
of bothersome tedious truths.
Do we question
contest
with such force
and frivolity
brain surgeons
heart specialists
cancer researchers?
Then why
scientists, doctors, researchers of climate?
How to renew
our alliance
our peaceful pact with
earth fire water air?
Perhaps one can have all the facts and expertise in the world
but if relationships aren’t built
nurtured
collectively held
with kindness
attentiveness
compassion
why would we believe one another?
The time is now
for safe inclusive spaces
where we the people do the analyses
come to the inconvenient troublesome truths
together
share our stories
listen
to understand
our
small vulnerable selves
while weaving
personal spiritual and scientific
tapestries
of believability
so we can
reconnect
realign
reverse
the devastation
lying still
but breathing
beneath OUR feet.
by maureen st.clair