Like the dying smoker who gets up out of the hospital bed to go outside for a smoke
The addict who is in and out of rehab until facing major organ failure
Never able to wean themselves of their addiction
To gas, oil, plastics, $, travel, renovations – all the sweet offerings
Fossil fuel is the drug of choice – so stimulating
Providing mobility, speed, adventure, newness, convenience, distraction
Despite death standing in the doorway
The junkie wants another fix
The pusher is always ready to oblige – big oil’s big lie
Progress – turned toxic
Manipulating and blaming others for how things are
Complicit in evading responsibility
Ignoring the collateral damage
To children, species and ecosystems
Tragically, the recovery treatment is well known – proven
And rejected
At the bedside of a dying civilization
Grieving for how it is, how it could have been so different – so many tears
Listening to the anger, blaming, denial, refusal, tantrums – unending
As the fever rises, and stabilizing systems fail
Knowing it is near the end
How long – hard to say – the last breath – a heartbeat away
Patiently, helplessly, in strange gratitude – we sit
Loving kindness – heart to death
No miracles
Only loving kindness
.
Note: see Destroyers, Hope, and Climate Crisis – What can I do