As I enter the winter of my life, I reflect. I find that age does not necessarily bring wisdom, for I have younger friends who are much wiser than I, but it does bring experience.
When I was young, the highlight of my existence was chasing butterflies and catching tadpoles. I knew all of the birds and animals, flowers and trees not by name, but on a much more personal level.
As I grew older, I began to recognize the Injustices in the world. I protested, I marched, I sang songs about inequality. I believed that we were making change happen.
As I grew older, I lost track of my moral compass. Materialism seemed to take a grasp on my life. Wine and cheese parties, fondues, the sports car, the big house all seemed to be important.
As I grew older, I realized that much of my life had meant nothing. I embrace nature with an old passion. My beliefs have changed and once again I protest. I realize that we were killing our planet and everything on it. I sign petitions, I write emails, I belong to our local environment and stewardship committee and once again I hope I am making a difference.
Perhaps as I grow older still, I will chase butterflies and catch tadpoles once again.
~ Phil Dubé 2019