My son grows my heart

My son is working with others
on a farm
in the persistent heat
of a Maharashtrian summer,
and I wonder if farmers
get to eat
once they’ve fed the world.

The world, I find,
if left to Nature,
thrives,
and its flourishing
creates safety for all,
so that all things find home,
find water and sustenance,
and a progression ensues
that is natural.

But progress is often defined by those
who grow a steely development, 
and nourish dreams of concrete.

These dreams are grey,
not green –
unless it is the green of banknotes –
and there are no rainbows in their dreams,
no birds, no bees…
just humankind.

There is no kindness
in making Nature pay the price
for human thoughtlessness.

My son is thoughtful.
He grows food,
and sustainability,
and community,
and volunteerism.

And he grows my heart
and my mind
and opens my eyes.

Can no one else see?
Love for the planet
can only manifest in meaningful ways
if actions match words.

Big words are of little help
to Nature
but
small ways, small changes
can grow big over time,
bigger than love for self.

Self-love is important,
and change is hard;
there are sacrifices to be made
if we want to walk the talk.

My son tries to walk the talk.
I believe he can change the world…
Not the whole world,
but the parts that he touches,
and the parts that others like him touch.

People in touch with the Universe
know that to love the planet
is to make choices
that show the love.

*Image generated by AI