Mother Earth Breaks Her Silence

I should have spoken to you a long time ago, but at that time I did not have the inclination and the need.

As you know, I have been the center of all existence for many billion years now. I am often asked if I am tired and would like to retire? There is only one thing I tell those who ask me this question…"How can a mother shun her responsibility?"

Time flies, I still remember my humble beginnings when I was learning to survive. One fine day, after having lived with smaller living organisms for some time, I felt these large creatures walking all over me, later on I learned that they were called dinosaurs. Those animals were a welcome surprise, but I did not know there were many more surprises to come. You and those four, eight and two legged creatures called animals were the next to drop in, I kind of developed a liking for all of you and that was when I vowed to look after you like my own children. I have tried to record all major changes in my memory so that I can share it with the many generations of humans and animals to come but I am sorry to say that my memory seems to be failing me slightly…. I think I owe it to old age!

I have never been lonely, even after all these years I have friends and neighbors that will always come to help me in times of trouble and celebrate with me in times of joy. The 8 planets, the sun, their 169 known moons, comets, asteroids, dust and gas keep me good company and also provide you and me with things required for us to survive. The hard work they put in to keep you breathing and healthy, is something I will never be able to repay them for.

Oh! I once remember hearing a poem being recited somewhere in the world, it went "water, water everywhere"…. well, I think that little child was referring to me as I am covered by 70% of water. I hope that the percentage does not increase in time to come. Otherwise who knows, I might just drown! Ha ha!

I am old in age, but a child at heart. Simple gestures mean more to me than large ones. I take about 23 hrs and 56 minutes to complete one rotation and 365 days and 5 hours to complete one revolution. I love doing this and to tell you the truth I do get a little dizzy at times, but then its fun! To explain the feeling you could try and remember the game played while reciting the nursery rhyme "Ring a Ring O'Roses." The feeling you get is somewhat the same.

Now let us talk about you my children for whom I weep. First of all I would like to tell you how much I appreciate the things you have done for me. The trees and plants that provide shelter and food are something you put into the soil on behalf of me. You form groups and associations that promise that they will look after your ailing mother, so you give them the responsibility…but where are you? I was and am with you the moment you need me and even when you don’t, but, have you seen the tears I shed and the air I breathe because of the smoke around? Each tree that finds its way into your office or your house is a sure indicator of how much less oxygen there is for the ever-increasing population.

Sometimes I wake up drenched in sweat, the way the air is getting warmer will certainly one day be a threat. That is not all, a few days ago I heard a discussion concerning animals that has sent a chill down my spine. I heard that some of the animal species cannot be found anymore. I pray to you children, wake up. In the past it was the dinosaurs, today it is some species of plants and animals. Know that I am getting old and there are issues that need to be addressed. I have referred to the ones I remember, for the others I request you to be aware and responsible of things around you. Adieu children, take care. Today, I am telling you to take responsibility for your own actions by looking around you. God Bless!