Land Keepers

 Sweet jasmine crawled along the house, the entire entryway fragrant and lush. Birds nested there. Every year they’d come back. We have long cut back the jasmine, preserving the bricks and letting other plants take their place. The focus now is on herbs, vegetables and fruit. Yes, we still have decorative plants, but we’ve made way for the needed. Luckily, we have bounty in our grocery stores so our items just add to our diet. 

The beauty of the nature here astounds me. Carefully cultivated to create an auspicious surrounding softening even the most bitter heart. My husband carefully clears the land, making room for things to grow. Caring, mending, loving the land as now it is his home as well. Roots of Jamaica have taught him many ways to take care of land. He knows. He leads the way in breaking back work that would leave some in pieces. He handles it with grace and patience and I honor his dedication. I am proud of the labor he produces with his bare hands and tools. He and the others like him are often treated harshly, as if their care were disposable. However, the strength of a man should not be taken for granted or used and abused. Honor the ones caring for the land. They are vital to our wellbeing. They are necessary and needed. In the coming days, their strength will be paramount in tackling climate change. As trees come down because of fierce winds, they will clear them. As flooding washes away the plants, they will replant. As heat scorches, they will give water. When trash overloads the because of carelessness, they will dutifully pick it up. Essential and Necessary. I will never forget that. I am grateful. And I will never forget to do my part as well. Caring for the land is our duty. We were gifted so much. We must care for the land as if it were born from us. It is our Mother. We came from the land. We care for her.