Before the Sun Sets
do you remember?
the silent beauty
of a grandfather tree
reaching above and below
ancient memories
do you see torrential downpours?
please look!
before grief washes you away
with flailing limbs
and silent screams
do you remember?
hiking pristine mountaintops
with ample atmosphere
enough clean air
to fill your lungs and soul
do you see the thermometer rising?
please look!
before grief ignites
your crackling home
parches your body
kills your landscape
do you remember?
cobalt blue skies
winters of soft rain and snow
time to rest and restore
gathering with family
do you see the dry and dying crops?
please look!
before the soil is bare
the water evaporated
not even enough tears
to fill the reservoir
do you remember?
carefree summers
cozy winters
the promise of spring
and revolving seasons
do you see the natural world changing?
please look!
pests are multiplying
honeybees are diminishing
animals are roaming
food sources scarce
do you remember?
picking up groceries
weather just a casual topic
a conversation starter
we’d complain and laugh
please look!
try to remember
before the sun sets
on all of us