Kiss the ground

Let us kiss the ground

to make its wounds heal again

those wounds that were caused by us

when we became its enemy

without knowing it

Let us kiss the ground

to bring back the life within it

the life that helps store water and protects us against drought and floods

the life that helps sequester carbon and keeps the earth cool enough

the life that feeds our plants so that others can be fed

Let us kiss the ground

so that we keep getting visits from bees

so that it can keep feeding us

before men as well become each others’ enemies

Let us kiss the ground

instead of ignoring it

instead of abandoning it

instead of giving up on it

The ground that is the essence of all life on earth

the ground that takes care of us;

of insects

of plants

of bees

of birds

of animals

of humans

and all that there is

Let us kiss the ground

so that it can flourish

and become whole again

Let us kiss

the ground 

19 January 2023, Amsterdam