Love letter to Mother Earth

I’ve done it again, Mama Earth – forgotten to wish you Valentine’s Day love.

You’re probably used to it by now, the way we two-legged “wise ones” forget about you until something goes awry.

From our point of view, COVID-19 is a prime example of life gone awry. It’s sickening and killing us, not to mention inconveniencing us and interfering with our economic advancement. We’re tired of staying six feet away, wearing masks (at least one, maybe two), applying hand lotion to our chapped, too-often-washed hands. We want to go on a hugging, toasting, spending frenzy, like in the good old days. And we’re darn tired of waiting for vaccines and being told “soon come.” We want an end to bubble living yesterday!

I meant to send you post-Valentine’s-Day love, Mama, but, once again, it’s turned into lament. Let me try again.

Oh, I’ve got an idea! Thanks for the breath you just gave me: in and out, over and over, COVID-free breath.

Huh? That’s why, for now, I have to practice all those bothersome precautions, you say, so others can continue to breathe COVID-free air, too? Huh! I hadn’t thought of it that way.

Another idea! Thanks for our cat with the politically-incorrect name who purrs her gratitude, views bubble living as an opportunity for 24/7 service from her servants, and indiscriminately spreads furry tokens of love on all surfaces.

I could learn from her, you say? You mean the shedding or the acceptance or the gratitude? All three! Well, maybe...

Mama, why do you keep turning my lament on its head? Do you always try to turn darkness into light? Oh, I guess you do! The sun came up again.

You’ve helped me love.

Thanks, Mama. You’re the best.

Pam Kemp, Kelowna

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postValentine’s-Day