Who Am I?

     Who am I you ask? I’ve been called many a name. Harsh, beautiful, violent, placid, vast, and small. One thing is certain. I am old. But I look damn good for my age. Most of the time.

     Of all of my siblings I am definitely the most hospitable. As a whole we get along even though we are a bit distant. I could talk a bit about them but for now let’s continue to focus on me.

     I’ve been around the block. I know this neighborhood of mine well. I feel like I’ve walked around this block billions of times. I’ve made lots of friends. Many have come and gone. Some nice and some others were downright dirty rotten scoundrels.

     You see I am the type who will give unconditionally. I have let people live with me. It’s not an issue for the most part. I only ask that my domain be respected. Again some do but I’ve come to notice over time that more and more people prefer to abuse my generosity. Leaving their wastes for others to clean. Often it is never done. I find it sickening. In fact I have been made sick. Sometimes I’ve had to show my ire. When I do the same ignorant masses look at me in a mix of awe and bewilderment and terror. I care not what they think at that point. For if you disrespect my space, you incur my rage. And mine is one that all know well. You will respect me or you will fear me. If you’re around after my throws of aggravation are over.

     And fighting amongst yourselves. Dark crimson plasma often stains my property. Not an easy substance to clean. I promise you that. Then they fight over things that belong to me. Me! My water, my flora, my fauna. Those who do fail to realize how foolish they are behaving. All I ask for is respect. Seven letters. Two Syllables. Thankfully eyes are beginning to unfurl. Not as fast as I would like. It is however a good start I must say.

     So who am I? I am the one who keeps you all grounded. The one who’s life blood you thrive on. The one whose nutrient rich flesh you dig into so that you pilfer things needed not for survival but for glamour. I have existed for eons of eons. Seen epochs come and go. I am Terra Firma. I am the Earth. And I am angry!

     Angry. Angry for as a whole my Bipedal tenants have maimed me. Performed egregious horrors for personal gain. A Myriad of various atrocities committed against me. And I am livid!

     You all need to rectify this situation you have put yourselves in. As I have stated before this is My abode. Show me some respect. Do not force my hand! I will clean House!

Douglas S. Williams