Mom,
I have to go now.
We’ve been close
since you first held me,
and I still remember
the dandelions I brought you
in the spring
when I was a boy.
But I’m not a boy any longer.
You cared for me
when I was sick,
and taught me
through words and example
to care for others,
especially those in need.
And now my Mother Earth needs me.
Some misguided men
have done a terrible thing,
Mom, and I have to stop them
from doing it again.
They’ve raped the land, cut the trees,
killed the animals, hurt the people.
Someone has to stop them.
I know how hard it must be
to watch a son so young
move so far from home
and so close to destruction,
but I am the Earth’s son too
and I must protect her now
just as I would protect you.
I don’t know how often
I’ll write to you
or when I’ll be back,
but I will keep you close
every time I put myself on the line
for my Mother.