The lesson from history and nature is

adapt and survive

It is roots in rock

eking spare moisture
from minute fissures in time
to pry the jagged jaws
too thirsty yet to ever stand
closer than several cracks apart

It is fleshy welwitschia

named mirabilis
reputed to live
two full millennia
with just two leaves and
elephants about to shred them for dinner

The lesson from history and nature is

to love the feast
to love it fully
to await it humbly
to expect it
never

Palmweg Concession, Namibia

December 2013

first published on salt.org.sg