Living with grief and loss!!

The Papaya tree above, in our front garden has been a favourite spot for birds and squirrels to feed on.

This Papaya tree which was only short in height,  grew up on its own probably from the seed in the compost, given as the manure to a nutmeg tree. 

This tree had a good supply of Papaya, which we did not gather but left for birds and squirrels to feed on. We have another five Papaya trees in our garden which supply us with fruits in all seasons. 

Yesterday in a windy rain, the upper fruit bearing part of the tree got blown away ! Anna and I looking at the tree remembered how this tree fed many birds and squirrels for he last two years.   

It is now memory and a big loss to the birds and squirrels.

Yesterday the bombing of Gaza by Israel killed about 400 people. It happened when all hopes were focussed on the continuation of the ceasefire. The bombing was intended to harm and not just create fear or pressure on the Palestinians to surrender. 

The wind does not regard property or people. 

It looks like humans have also been wild in their behaviour in the recent months!

The loss and pain of people who are hurt do not become an issue of concern for those in responsible positions! They act mindlessly, selfishly and aggressively! 

The first photo of a Bulbul and squirrel meeting on their way to the Papaya tree to feed, taken a few weeks ago, remains as a message to me that we are all in a common existential journey on earth.  We are therefore neighbours and fellow travellers!

I wish the rulers of Russia, USA, Israel, Iran and few other countries in the Middle Eastern region would have a change of heart and mindset!

It is a narcissist mentality to delight in the suffering of others! The carnal desire to have geographical control of regions beyond the territory of a country is aggression, violence and hatred! It is unimaginable that Israel can stop humanitarian supplies to people in Gaza. They are without food, water and medical help! A first time event of this nature since the Second World War!

The Quakers during the second world war advocated and practiced passive resistance against war and aggression! Theirs was a gentle voice of reason in the wilderness! It influenced some. 

Now even such voices are not heard as violence seems to benefit many!

The Easter Lilies in our garden withstood the wind and rain yesterday. That gives me hope! The Lilies formed a 'community' to face the adversity!

Let that be a symbol of the inner resilience all of us need during such times of disregard for human worth and right to live!

We live on, amidst losses and fear because the resilient Lilies stand as a monument of the 'will to live' in order to 'love our neighbours as ourselves'!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)