Dear Earth,
I absorb myself with hope every time I get the opportunity to walk around the neighborhood with my dogs and family. I savor the laughter that fills the air, the warmth of the setting sun as it casts my lovely neighborhood in a golden glow, and the joyful interactions with other dogs along the way. But what stands out the most, what makes these walks truly unforgettable, is something almost too peculiar to explain: my collection of trees. They ground me, these quiet sentinels, even as I know that one day this moment, this rhythm, will fade into memory.
A natural departure of a fleeting life is devastating, but fair; it’s the cycle that we have lived in for eternity. What isn’t fair, however, is the destruction born from ignorance and selfishness—a forced and unnatural end. When what was once cherished, a living memory of beauty and significance, is reduced to nothing more than a shadow of what it was meant to be.
I have observed a growing rise of tree cutting in my neighborhood and it breaks my heart every time I see another stump where a vibrant, living tree once stood. These trees, which have witnessed countless seasons and sheltered generations of birds and squirrels, are more than just part of the scenery—they are a testament to the endurance of life, even in the most urban of spaces.
I can’t help but wonder: Do the people who cut them down understand what they’re taking away? Not just from the environment, but from the community? Trees clean our air, offer shade, reduce noise, and provide a calming presence in our lives. For me, they’ve always been more than providers—they’re companions.
The loss feels personal, and perhaps it is. My walks are quieter now, the air feels a little heavier, and the absence of their towering forms leaves the skyline bare. It’s a sobering reminder of how fragile our connection to nature can be, how easily it can be severed by a single thoughtless act.
It’s not just about mourning the losses; it’s about preventing future ones. The trees may be silent, but their message is loud and clear: if we don’t stand up for them, who will?
Peace. Love. Earth.,
Jessica Ngok 🌎
Letters To Earth 