Photo from Louise’s and the bees’ garden.
Where does my world begin and end?
Before the horizon or beyond it to some unknown shore
That has only appeared in my dreams before?
Is my world worth saving, again and again.
Are we simply so tired we do not mind it could end?
Helpless, it seems, I am to do more.
Technology now must save the day
as I find my own simple way
to save and protect all that I love.
I cannot sit still and not do my part.
I must give it my all, and give you all my heart.
I plant native plants and trees,
flowers whose blooms dance in fierce breeze.
Butterflies and bees swoop in and sip
the nectar of gods, nip after nip.
I feed the homeless and shelter those displaced
by flood, fire, crime, famine and war.
I visit the isolated and phone the lonely.
I stay healthy enough to stay earth-bound a few days more
to love those far away and those close around me.
I fold my hands and grip my rosary beads
praying those with power and ability
know what to do and how to succeed.
I love this Earth, its flora and fauna;
its sunrises and sunsets and all in between.
I love its sunny days and cloudless blue skies;
and days when storms hide sun behind a screen.
There is no place in the universe that I would rather be
than right here with you, as we face such adversity.
My hope lies in science and those drenched in creativity
who see beyond today to a future of love and harmony;
not just for all the people of the Earth
but for Earth herself who offers us sanctuary
within the endless energy of planetary boundaries.
Where does my world begin and end?
Right here, with you, right now.
This is a solemn vow.
take it and make it
your own
somehow.
HIBISCUS, acrylic on canvass by Louise Annarino with gratitude to her garden.
