Tribute To Nature

RELUCTANT TO LEAVE

To belong, is one of the basic instincts of all living creatures. “Be different, and you shall be noticed”, may appeal to Rock Stars and Prize Fighters in their prime. But most mortals want to be hugged and embraced. To be loved and taken under the wings of a compassionate and caring person. Many want to mingle, dissolve and be one with loved ones. Fish form schools, other creatures swarm or flock while humans congregate, all in dire need to belong and be a huge One.

Parting with our dear friends and family is a daily heartache; thankfully some goodbyes are soon followed by a hearty ‘Hello’ and a big hug that will ease the sadness. When it is time to leave, we all hesitate, we linger and try to hold on, a moment more, an extra month, another term in office, till we see our children’s children or perhaps their children, only till the next project, next venture. For, what we know is sweet or comforting and what we do not know is often scary.

The dead leaf above has completed only half of its duty: produced food and energy for the tree, protected the young and fragile leaves at tender stages and given shade and cool by catching millions of ocean breezes. New leaves that kept on nudging and pushing till the final shove need to sprout from this withering leaf’s footings! Fallen half way, it’s reluctant to leave, failing to start another part of its cycle. It has to touch Mother Earth and be of use to the ground that once held her high and lofty. Compost is yet another name for selfless volunteer work, community and charity functions- unseen perhaps, thankless often, but one does not always serve from the very top!

Philosophers will re arrange words of wisdom, artists will mix their hues and preachers will change sermons, but . . . . . . . . . . . we are all reluctant to leave!