How Can We Not Love?

Soft bud emerging into a world of grays and browns
Opening and unfolding into the freshest green
Giving the gift of oxygen and shade
And brilliant colors in their death
How can we not love the Leaves?

Cool flowing creek filled with Crayfish and Trout
Formed from raindrops that fell from the sky
Merging with others forming Rivers
That carry canoes and feed the World
How can we not love the Waters?

Dragonfly perched on Moss-covered log
Sunlight reflecting the colors of the Rainbow
Off translucent iridescent wings
Fairies of the Woods and Ponds
How can we not love the Dragonfly?

Sandhill Cranes in field with their young
Long legs walking, step, step
Long wings flapping, lifting, lifting
Three beautiful birds take flight
How can we not love the Cranes?

Polar Bear walks on snow
Large paw prints trailing behind
Majestic and regal, slides into Sea
A ghost bear in a blue ocean
How can we not love the Bear?

Salmon going home
Swims its last swim to lay eggs
To give life
In her death
How can we not love the Salmon?

Sunsets and the Northern Lights
Oceans and Lakes, Rivers and Streams
Mountains and Valleys, Prairies and Deserts
Tundra and Ice Caps, Forests and Fields
How can we not love the Earth?

Mining and drilling into her Body,
Toxins released into her Waters
Oil spills sealing the fates of millions
Devouring the last wild places we know.
Why can we not love Ourselves?