My Father’s Son

When the earth was young,
I was a breeze
that pushed the sea upon the shore.

When the waves had kissed the land
some many thousand times,
I then became the wind
upon whose substance flew the birds,
carrying their songs of life,
and seeds of life, the pollen of the trees,
wherever whim would lead them.

And for those trees to sprout,
the flowers bud,
and fruit to ripen,
I became the rains that nourished their roots.

And I carried the perfumes of the world for all to enjoy.

When first you walked upon the ground,
I cooled you in the summer,
and I fed the flames of your hearth in winter.

I became the matter of your language,
and I facilitated your communications,
your collaborations, and your creations.
I was the medium
through which so many a happy thought was devised.
And I was your laughter,
to share the joys of life as it is lived.

Later through me were sent the storms of dissent and protest,
of hatred and prejudice.
I carried slogans and propaganda,
and I bore the weapons of murder,
that took the lives of so many a youth,
who had not enough seasons to enjoy the treasures I bring.

And today, what am I?
I am the air which you breathe,
that brings you life:
Let me live in peace!