I See It in the Trees

I see it in the trees.

The way they move,

Before,

During,

After

A Storm.

Battered

Weathered

Beaten

Worn

Broken

Ravaged

Bent

How much more can they withstand?

How many more storms can they weather?

Coconuts

Bananas

Livelihood

Gone.

How much longer must we wait?

When will change come?

Not the strengthening of storms into super typhoons,

But serious change to curb our impacts on the environment.

Climate Marches

Awareness

Conversations

Advocacy

Campaigns

Activism

Climate Talks

But are these enough?

The Philippines

How long can this country endure?

How much can my new home face?

Why must it bear the brunt of the effects of climate change?

Preparing

Fearing

Breaking

Dying

Smiling

Joking

Rebuilding

Only to have it all happen

Again

And again

And again.

Pablo

Yolanda

Ruby

How much longer?

Waiting.

For supplies

Bananas

Regrowth

Coconuts

Regeneration

Income

Healing

An end.

Lord, have Mercy.

Christ, have Mercy.

Lord, have Mercy.

Hear Our Prayer, O Lord.

Hear Our Prayer, O Lord.

Incline Your ear to us,

And grant us Your Peace.