There’s moisture in the air
One that speaks of spring
The trees are responding
And I hear the songs of birds

As long as I hear the songs of birds
Then I know
Life is there still
Miraculously

Life is a reflection
Everywhere there are glimpses of the self
Shades of the great universe

Channels carve their way in and out
And dust is deposited

The earth remains
Eroded yet somehow replenished
By the forces of nature

Air becomes matter
To replace death

Materials gathered from the farthest reaches
Of the universe
Make life

We are nothing but children of the universe

Plants rise up from the earth
Filling space
Each and every one
Offering nourishment to thousands upon thousands

Birds fly wisely
Rhythmically
To show the way

Humans stumble
This way and that way
Wishing to be kings and queens
Cowering at fate

Those who have given up on life
Take their lives
And take the lives of others

'Never give up!' said a wise man
'Never give up!'

The future must glow!
The future must resonate
With hope for every young person!
The bloodshed must stop!

Though blood
Escapes from the womb
Of humanity
Ceaselessly
And the fine lines between
Balance, renewal  and loss
Widen

Though blood flows too fast
Hijacking days of rest and recovery
Friendship and camaraderie
We must never give up!

We must all fight now
But only
For peace