Dear World,
You have finally been able to stop us. Stop our polluting, abusing and misusing your resources. But are we aware enough to be able to see the gift you have given us? Stopping the pollution, stopping the raging consumerism, making us aware of the deep divides and inequities in our culture. Are we capable to use this stoppage as the gift it is? An opportunity to 'right the ship'. Can we/will we see beyond inconveniences, the deaths of loved ones, to see the rich gift that has been laid at our feet? A chance to have our environment heal, a chance to balance the income inequalities, the prejudices of us versus them. Can we finally see the value in those we never thought about who are now saving our lives - grocery workers, meat packers, healthcare workers, mail carriers, garbage collectors? Is this really an opportunity to finally truly see each and every one as a valuable contributor to our world? Will we learn and pay attention, deciding to take the necessary bold moves or will we once again selfishly squander this amazing opportunity?
Maxine E. Marak
State College, PA
May 4, 2020
