Be mindful of the squirrel,
And its tendency to forget
Where it stored its meals for the winter.
For
Because of the squirrel's forgetfulness,
We have forests.

Be mindful of the spider,
And its predacious instincts.
For
Because of the spider's will to hunt,
We are not subject to the possibility
Of infinite, relentless mosquitoes.

Be mindful of the rat,
And its compliance in so many lab tests.
Though it is placed there by force,
This species has suffered enough to be nonexistent,
Solely to benefit those who placed it in harm's way.
For
Should the rat not return to the Earth in another generation,
Science would need to find another test subject.
And it would go through so many,
Scientists would have no choice,
But to test on us.

Be mindful of Mother Earth,
And her forgiveness and strength.
Forgiveness for the wounds we have placed upon her,
And strength to be ever resilient despite these difficulties.
For
Without Mother Earth's open arms
And sturdy architecture,
We would not be here
To inflict more pain upon her,
And ask for more forgiveness.

Be mindful of each other,
And the compassion within us
That we are able to comprehend
And reciprocate.
For
Because of each other's kindness,
We have not seen the end
Of our beautiful, yet young, existence.