Resilience Not Revenge

 

     When the houses were built, around 50 years ago, all the bushes, trees, grass, weeds - vegetation was destroyed by a series of violent yanks. The screams could be heard by those connected to nature for miles on end. While these killers worked hard at clearing the terrain, they forgot one root. One tiny little plant which hid its roots very deep in the soil that the weapons used for this slaughter couldn't reach.

The houses were built, and families came and went. The tiny plant grew between the buildings and shed seeds to the vacant lot next door. 50 years later the plant is still growing strong. Resilience. The houses are slowly being swallowed by the luxurious green leaves. The rooftops are starting to break. Not by the plant, though, it does not believe in revenge. Nonetheless, the birds that frequent this oasis are a bit clumsy and every now and then break a piece of the roof.

Those connected to nature can hear a loud and cheerful “Good morning!” when they open their apartment windows every morning.

In the end, the plants are winning the battle. Regaining what was rightfully theirs to begin with.

 

Written December 5,2021

 

Photo: Meire Marion