Let me read it to you.

 

Human Nature

Copyright 2024 by Abbie Johnson Taylor

 

I want to see the good in people.

When a forest is burned down

as a result of carelessness,

how do we know people aren’t sorry

for causing creatures to die or lose their homes?

 

When young and old struggle to breathe

as a result of lingering smoke,

how do we know humans don’t regret their actions?

 

Not forgiving those who destroy nature when we don’t know the truth

won’t restore the forest

or prevent future wildfires.

We can only hope that over time,

the woods can be restored to their natural glory,

and more forests can evolve someday.

Accidents happen—all beings make mistakes.

I want to see the good in people.

 

Back Story

 

I wrote this poem recently after reading one in The Weekly Avocet, blaming careless and lazy humans for causing forest fires. I was reminded of a public service ad on television that tugged at my heart years ago when I was in college. It featured a young man being arrested for starting a forest fire. As he was being booked and locked in a jail cell, he kept saying, “I didn’t mean to start a forest fire.”

Thus, my poem was born. It was published in the July 28^th issue of The Weekly Avocet, and you can click here to download the magazine. Thank you for reading and/or listening.

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Tess Anderson Photography

Photo Resize and Description

by Two Pentacles Publishing

 

If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to my email list to receive my twice-yearly newsletter and other announcements. This is a one-way announcements list, meaning the only messages you’ll receive will come from me. So, you can rest assured that this list is low-traffic. Send a blank email to:  newsfrommycorner+subscribe@groups.io  You’ll receive a confirmation email. Reply to that with another blank message, and you should be good to go.