Change

Is the World old? Does it need to change?
Does it say to itself “I need to rearrange”
With countrymen seeking new leaders
Some people still shouting “Feed us!”
Some armies fighting for ‘peace’
Some people demanding they ‘cease’
The world’s population divided
Yet togetherness is provided
As we all come together to shake
At the news of the latest earthquake

With today’s reminder of very recent times, I wanted to write a short post to reflect my thoughts of how the power of nature can literally change the world in a matter of seconds. Far more powerful than an act of ‘terrorism’ or ‘fight for freedom’ and far more devastating, globally speaking, yet people are affected by both. The natural disasters are not judgmental, they do not choose who to affect. The man-made situations are more targeted, although at times still indiscriminate, yet they still affect a lot of people.

At times, I wonder what the Earth thinks of the people who she allows to live upon her. We spend so much time squabbling amongst ourselves, arguing over money or oil, taking away precious land and changing the environment forever, polluting the atmosphere with chemicals, noise and other ‘un-natural things’, I wonder if the Earth thinks “Hang on a minute. I’m in charge here.” And she will make a point. A volcano eruption to stop us. A hurricane to make us look on in shock and horror. An earthquake to prove her power. A tsunami to affect each and every one of us.

I think that the Earth is trying to regain some kind of ‘balance’, shifting her tectonic plates around to make them more secure. As one moves, the next one must move in line to fit in, and then the next and so on. This will cause the surface to ripple, and we will feel the effects of this. We will see the effects of this. The Earth is older, wiser, bigger and better than all of us on the planet. She knows what she is doing, and she is just getting comfortable. We, on the other hand, live here by her invitation, and she can withdraw that offer at any time.

The power of the Earth, the power of nature, is far greater than the words I am able to use to describe it. Fascinating and frightening at the same time.

My heart goes out to anyone who has been affected by today’s devastating events. Even though I don’t live anywhere near Japan, or the pacific region, I have been affected by what I have seen on the news reports today, as I was by the tsunami in 2004.

Again, words fail me, but as much of this post is about the power of the Earth, it is also about the strength of the people who live on the planet. In writing this post, I’m sending thoughts of strength to those who need it most. Words on a screen don’t provide help and shelter for those who need it, but they do provide hope, and if nothing else, they show that I am thinking of you on this day.