We cling to you for shelter

and like a greedy lover, we

often ignore your needs,

asking for more than we deserve

taking for granted the abundance

of your beauty and love

secretly hoping you will not

notice, the abuse that we heap

upon you in our day-to-day lives.

We dread the day when

you’ve had enough because

without you,

we will be unable to survive.

©TAK Erzinger

Winner of 2017 Poetry of Ministry of Affairs

Mother Earth Poetry Contest