The elements of the universe are nourishment

The elements of the universe are nourishment

Every morning when I see the happy sunrise,

I meditate and breathe the fresh morning air.

Breathing and breathing slowly;

I feel how the air flows through my lungs, through all of my extremities.

And I feel a marvelous sensation throughout my whole body;

Thus I understand that the air is part of my life.

Later I drink a glass of fresh water from the spring.

I feel how the water flows and goes through all of my veins

Once again I feel this marvelous sensation throughout my entire being,

And I understand that I am water and water is a part of my life.

In this way, meditating and breathing,

I realize that I am standing on this land,

and I imagine that I am on the last step of a giant skyscraper;

I know that this, always lays the foundation on the land.

Then when I feel the taste of my nourishments in my mouth’

I am delighted and I enjoy the marvelous sensation

That causes each mouthful of nourishment

To glide down smoothly through my throat,

And I realize that everything comes from the land.

Thus I understand that the elements of the universe are my nourishment,

Therefore, I love the land, I protect nature and I defend my territory.

But when I walk through the city,

I see the how the smoke invades the streets, my eyes become tearful

And I feel the air suffocating me.

Then I walk farther and I see how the earth is being tortured

With the extraction of natural resources,

I see how the earth is being burned

The forests are becoming deserts

And the rivers are being left waterless.

Then I see the indifference among society.

I see many children crying of hunger.

I see many cry out for peace and justice.

But, I also see people laughing with the happiness of glorious luxury

Then I meditate and analyze the situation

And I understand, that it is the cruel system of government

That cultivates terror and domination over our villages,

That is why I am a rebel before this neoliberal and capitalist system of government.

José D. Pérez