Just Be Kind by Neil Evans I’m an old pine who’s grown over time, I’ve observed life for centuries. Stretch towards the sun, absorb all its heat, listening to nature’s melodies. In branches and up my spine, birds climb skittering about with their small feet. And fuzzy be my old memories, when in the earth my roots grow deep. I spread strong spears, like a porcupine, on high and wide arms, beyond reach. Head in the sky, young and worry-free, but in my roots I sensed landmines. Squirrels warned me, through their chittering teeth, of the pain known by humankind. Fellow trees taught history to me with waving limbs, roots intertwined; despite their greed, nature they mistreat, humans succeed eventually. War time to celebrations with wine, after tragedies come parties, following a famine is a feast. These smart monkeys need empathy, their intellect is before their time: bright, but deaf to nature’s heartbeat. Boundaries set between families, but of love, unity, they dream. We pines are actors, gesturing mimes, who act towards love, where humans speak. Every day’s an opportunity to act towards the dream. Just be kind.
NMC MAGAZINE
10
