I stand here looking out over an expanse of land which was once a beautiful forest with trees stretching as far as the eye can see. A place which used to be teeming with life. I remember being surrounded by it. And I remember loving it.
Monkeys hopped from tree to tree, some with little babies hanging on for dear life as they bounded from branch to branch, playing some kind of game only the monkeys know how to play.
On the ground, the magnificent big cats roamed with effortless grace. In the dark, they could barely be seen aside from the moonlight, flickering through the branches and glinting off their eyes.
Tiny ants worked tirelessly in formation, seeking out food for their homes and their queen, scurrying all over the ground. The would climb the trees too, tickling the trunks and limbs with their little steps.
Life was in every pocket of the forest. But now there is nothing.
As the trees fell, the animals were pushed out of their homes and hunting spots. They couldn’t provide for themselves or their offspring and succumbed. Many died from starvation.
The lucky ones were the prey.
In their weakened state, they would be quickly caught and devoured by their famished hunters.
Some fell into the territory of others of their kind and were forced into blood drenched battles to the death, invariably falling to the established order.
I imagine some found a way. Nature is clever like that. But only the most adaptable and lucky will have been able to survive such changes to their species. For generations, they would have known no other home.
I stand here alone.
I can see workmen milling around with hard hats and high-vis vests. They’re talking amongst themselves and looking over at me.
I had friends come to see me. They hugged into me tightly and clutched at my limbs. Some stayed for quite some time and were abusive to the workmen. But now they are gone and it’s just me.
The workmen come towards me. I want to run but I am rooted, destined to accept my fate. I’ve heard them saying they’re ‘preparing the land for agriculture’ and using words like ‘progress’ and ‘development’.
Whatever these plans are, every living thing in the forest has paid for it to accommodate them.
I take another look around at the only place I have ever known. This once radiant, bustling gift of Mother Nature.
Then I hear the sound of a chainsaw starting.
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