Pause for poetry:
Michael Hawkes /5

Gaia Holds The Reins

A poem by Michael Hawkes

The birds and wildlife just don’t get it,
Chirping, foraging, they’re not flustered.
This morning sparrows, then the tom tits
Swarm the garden, gathering, clustered.

Thanks to the sunshine, thanks to the spring,
Thanks to Gaia watching over,
For the healing joys they bring,
That surely help us to recover,
Help our troubled hearts to sing.

Not just the crumbs, but silver dollars
Given to those with naught to eat,
May conceivably rescue us
From solipsistic self defeat.

In truth Gaia rules the day,
She will have the final say,
She determines what can happen,
She holds the planet in her sway.

We need to see her subtle systems,
Understand her iron laws,
Put aside our cynicisms
And recognize our fatal flaws.

Perhaps by summer we’ll recover,
As may Gaia from Her pains;
We’ll close the distance from each other
To marvel at the Earth’s refrains.

23\03\20 Hawkes

Feature image:Pexels

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Michael Hawkes - WestmountMag.ca

Michael Hawkes was a cherished poet and contributor whose work enriched the pages of WestmountMag.ca with its sensitivity and depth. Over the years, he entrusted us with a rich body of poems, of which only a portion has yet been published. His passing leaves a profound void, but the poems still to come will continue inspire all who were moved by his voice.