One Generation’s Leap

[Harklight]

     One Generation’s Leap


     I saw her fascination in the caterpillar
     as it quietly crawled across the floor.
     Enthralled by her, then breaking the spell,
     I suggested it was safer out, than inside.
     Collecting it gently into her little hand
     so that all of the legs remained intact,
     she smiled at the tickling on her palm
     when she carefully released it outside;
     back into unnatural urban wilderness
     where it will eat cauliflowers.

     Amazed at the influence of my words
     on this tiny person – words from me!
     This me; who’d shot at fluffy rabbits
     and eliminated impending butterflies
     that had threatened our food supplies.
     This me; who’d once bulldozed trees
     and microcosms of precious environs
     recklessly, destroying native aviaries,
     has also taught her what truly belongs
     and now cares for caterpillars.


~~~~~~
Copyright ©

[apocalypticjay]

A really great reflective write, I will be the first to admit I'm no vergetarian, but I loved the depth in this, how we can admire something tha nature has nourished and given th will to live and flourish is amazing, i truly loved this poem beautfiul write!

[Artemis]

I will second Jay's sentiments Harklight.

It never ceases to amaze me how humans can be so fickle, from one moment to the next. Obviously not always a bad thing as this poem shows. There is nothing like a child to bring out reflection, love and change either. Enjoyed this so much. K xx

[polonius]

Let's hope she comes to see the value of cauliflowers.

[Harklight]

Thank you, Jay and Kerry ... "this me" had a brutal awakening when I moved to the city. They clear-felled everything, down to sand, for new housing - it was shocking. Nature became more precious to me and I passed that knowledge to my child. She can still surprise and remind me.

*grins, Polonius ... yes, cauliflowers have value but companion planting can protect them. We live and learn.
I enjoyed your replies, thank you. H x

[Jim]

that we live and learn and pass it on is so important. it's ok to take, but we must give in return. this, so widely ignored.


peace

[ARTHUR KELLY]

A beautiful write that had me as spellbound as the little girl was to the caterpillar.

My empathy with your poem stems from the stark contradictions between my own past and what I teach my little man.

I pray that both dont raze what we build to the ground

again a beautiful write H

[polonius]

Sometimes when we recall our more shameful deeds, we can be more shamed by those we ask to do good, or at least considerate things, and the way they accept our teaching.