A Prayer for Healing (Poem)

From ancient times, people across the world, belonging to different cultures and different religions, have prayed to various objects of nature - the sun, moon, stars, earth, wind, water bodies, plants, and animals. This is because man has recognised their importance from the very beginning. The earth is our home, our only home.

‘A Prayer for Healing’ is a poem about the earth and about us. It is an appeal to all the people around the globe to make a collective effort to heal the earth.

We join with the earth and with each other
To bring new life to the land
To restore the waters
To refresh the air

We join with the earth and with each other
To renew the forests
To care for the plants
To protect the creatures

We join with the earth and with each other
To celebrate the seas
To rejoice the sunlight
To sing the song of the stars

We join with the earth and with each other
To recreate the human community
To promote justice and peace
To remember our children

We join with the earth and with each other
We join together as many and diverse expressions
Of one loving mystery, for the healing of earth and the renewal of all life.

Summary

The poem is set in the backdrop of the idea that man has over exploited nature through selfish and thoughtless activities. Such insensitivity has resulted not only in depletion of all natural resources, leaving the earth starved of all its riches, but has also impacted man’s own life. If we do not mend our habits, there shall be endless suffering that may also bring all life to a halt.

Through this poem, the poet urges man to work hand in hand towards restoring the natural resources like water, fresh air, forests, etc. without which our life cannot be sustained. Man must try to conserve, safeguard, protect and restore all elements of nature so that he can live once again in harmony with nature and with each other.

We need to develop eco-sensitive habits and all our actions should reflect our concern for humanity and for our children for whom we should leave a healthy legacy. Restoring nature’s balance will promote peace and harmony amongst all and will also heal the ailing planet earth. Thus we shall be able to renew life in all its forms.