ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

A Message from Mother Nature

I know you have suffered; it brings me no joy—
but long have I borne the abuse you employ.
Perhaps this will stand as reality check
before I’m reduced to the ultimate wreck.

When all this is over, please follow your heart—
remember this challenge and make a fresh start.
Resolve to continue in cleansing the Earth;
look after the Mother who’s nourished from birth.

There’s no need to panic, for this too shall pass,
and once more you’ll frolic on ocean and grass.
Ensure you are keeping emotions well checked—
retain common sense and take time to reflect.

Consider the vital commission of man—
to safeguard the planet throughout your life’s span,
to value its creatures, each forest and sea,
esteeming its bounty - for this is the key.

Hold fast to integrity, truth and respect,
compassion for others, aware of effect;
renounce petty grievances, ego and greed,
and focus on helping a planet in need…

I see your frustration at all this has cost,
and witness your grieving at friends you have lost…
I’m sorry this world has been halted and shocked—
but neither your God, nor Myself, will be mocked.

© Catherine Lee, May 2020

Hi Catherine
Yes we have been abusing our planet for centuries, doing more and more damage each year.
The saddest thing is that as we have become more capable of understanding our planets need,
we've become more destructive.
So let's hope for a brand new more compassionate world after this - but don't hold your breath.

Another excellent write Catherine, and you have used the prompt well.

Terry

So true, Terry - it's hard to tell whether or not we'll all simply fall back into the usual complacency, but sadly this is probably quite likely for many. Thanks so much for your comments, as always.

Nicely done Catherine and I agree with your thoughts ... my personal belief is that Mother Nature is teaching us all a long overdue lesson and the smart ones amongst us will listen and take note and come through this, and the others - well, maybe not. Australia's biggest weakness has always been IMO our apathy - but this has made us all sit up and take notice. Something good comes out of even the worst disaster , but already some, around the world are champing at the bit and whinging about what they have lost, rather than seeing what they have gained. I'm guessing some of them will fall at the first fence for as you rightly say the Mother will not be mocked. I enjoyed reading your poem and the clever use you made of the prompts- well done

Very well written Catherine. Imputing reason and decision to the impersonal natural world is an interesting slant. The situation is not resolved yet, it will be probably surprising what emerges in the end.

Thank you, Maureen and Neville, for your wonderful, encouraging feedback – I’m so glad you liked the poem… And yes, I think we’re all in agreement on this issue. From the start, this current situation has brought out both the very best and very worst in people everywhere, as such events tend to do, and it is always most enlightening to see how different characters handle things. It will indeed be interesting to see what emerges in this respect in the future.

Excellent as always, Catherine. You are right - the proof of this learning experience will indeed be in the pudding, so to speak.

I was particularly interested by your last line as it brought to mind this text from the Bible: Do not be misled. God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap. (Galatians 6:7) Telling words about the inescapable consequences of our own actions - in every facet of life.

Thank you so much, Shelley....And yes, whether people believe in it or not, the scripture about sowing and reaping is as factual as gravity.