What man creates is truly ingenious.
Tough and untouched by corruption
it’s everywhere, just like the air we breathe.
Agile and thin it travels at a speed
and eludes the cunning enemy;
a futurist whose foresight raises scorn.
But an obituary? The thing won’t die!
So, I pack my jaded hope and bid it farewell
as it makes its way to invade happiness
and idyllic life in the land of my father.
note: Today is World Environment Day, and this is in response to the Midweek Motif, Plastic Bags, at Poets United.
I’ve lived here for decades. I was young myself, when I arrived with a young and expectant couple. I remember how they used to fuss over me as they made sure I had enough to eat, and got my daily dose of sunshine. I grew and flourished because I was wanted, and loved.
As a youngster, I enjoyed eavesdropping on the couples’ intimate conversations as they sat nearby. Sometimes they picnicked with relatives, caught up with neighbours or had wild summer nights with friends. Oh, the secrets shared!
It was a privilege to welcome their children into this world. Days were filled with constant chatter; children laughing, puppies yapping and kittens meowing. They all vied for attention and I swelled with pride.
It was a pleasure to bring them joy and fill their days with wonder. I hosted pollinators in spring, and invited seasoned vocalists all year round. I danced wild to the rhythm of wailing wind for their amusement but warned them off during summer storms as I swallowed lightning. All these creatures gave me life and I sustained theirs; a mutual love.
But Mr Commercial has no appreciation. He now calls for my head as he approaches with a bulldozer to uproot me once and for all. Because bottom line is what matters, nowadays. Such is life!
My childhood home is no more. Where it used to be, stands a giant chain store. But gum trees are some of the trees we had at home. And the term “Up a Gum Tree” is sometimes used to mean great difficulties. I’m not a hardcore environmentalist but I believe nature is in great difficulty as human destruction increases.
p.s. It’s not a gum tree in the featured image, I suspect a fern. From all the trees in my collection, I couldn’t find a gum tree. Just goes to show…
I suffer from a terrible pollen allergy in spring. After some few rainy days, the air feels cleaner and I can breathe with ease. I even managed a visit to the botanical gardens this week, and took delight in all the beauty around.
2. I got mail
I’ll say it again, nothing is as beautiful, tactile and personal like holding a printed book. I’ve read the digital version already, but I couldn’t miss the chance to touch, smell and hear the pages as I turn them. You might have already guessed one of the books I’ll be rereading this summer.
A Collection of Short Stories by Rommy Cortez-Driks
3. Frugal ways and fabulous finds
Thrifting is personally rewarding, among other things. Some of the items I find at thrift stores are books. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know how I often complain about exorbitant shipping costs. So, I continue to find some really good books from second-hand shops and library book sales. Three of them are on my summer reading list.
4. When you know it’s not about you…
The other day, I watched a documentary about Warren Buffer for some inspiration on finance and investment. This quote is one of the take-aways, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”
I resonated with it because of a recent incident. I won’t go into details but I’ll say this, people are vicious on social media. It’s even more sad when it’s someone you know personally. But instead of reacting, I walked away.
5. On paving way to happiness
I’ll leave you with this inspiring song, Just Do You, by Indie Arie. I think it’s self-explanatory.
Hope your week has been filled with all things good. Enjoy your weekend!
Occasionally, I share five random things I’m reading, watching, doing and thinking about. Hope you find them interesting.
