Dear Earth, help hold me steady.
On 15th October 2019 by SatyaDear Earth, help hold me steady. The ground underneath me is moving like shook silk. My life here looks the same as before – plentiful food, clothes to wash, money to earn, ordinary beauty. And yet, the sound of police helicopters are tattooed into my ears. I dream of the dread of losing territory, and
Dear Earth, I sobbed as they arrested me.
On 8th October 2019 by SatyaI wasn’t upset about my criminal record, the blank hours ahead of me in a cell, court, the fine. I didn’t feel unsafe. As the police carried me away, they checked four times if they were hurting me, if I was okay. I wasn’t ashamed, after a lifetime of being a good girl, of not
Dear Earth, I am frightened.
On 6th October 2019 by SatyaI didn’t think I’d be planning for my arrest. I didn’t think I’d be using this week of holiday to stand on a cold, rainy bridge in London and speak up for you. I didn’t think I’d learn new words like kettling or bust cards, and discuss the relative merits of superglue or steel cable
Dear Earth,this sustains me.
On 3rd October 2019 by SatyaThe underwater sucker sounds of my cat Tsuki diligently washing her elbows. The wild streaks of red in the morning sky, sighing into blue. The knobbly glass candle on my shrine and its halo of god. The mug of redbush tea that my husband brings me, steaming and fragrant, a precious golden cargo. The wonders
Dear Earth, I’m a happy bunny.
On 1st October 2019 by SatyaYesterday I was feeling totally overwhelmed. There was too much to do before the rebellion this Monday. I was frightened about what I was letting myself in for. After waking up to your grave prognosis, dear Earth, I was missing my old comfy-in-denial life. Today I am happy. What changed? A good night’s sleep. A
Dear Earth, we need each other.
On 30th September 2019 by SatyaThis is me and my Buddhist teacher, Dharmavidya. I was just with him in Spain with my colleague Khema, meeting with Buddhists from all around Europe. You are particularly beautiful in Sant Iscle de Vallalta, dear Earth. Wandering around the temple are horses and semi-wild black pigs. There is a magnificent fig tree. The gompa
Dear Earth, it’s impossible to save you.
On 26th September 2019 by SatyaToday I will be flying to Barcelona. I bought the ticket before I woke up to the climate and ecological emergency. I am going to honour my commitment to the meeting I’m attending, and also, flying feels like having to eat a bloody steak bought before becoming vegan. After this flight, I vow to never
Dear Earth, I am tiny.
On 23rd September 2019 by SatyaI am one of your seven point seven billion humans. Just 1, out of 7000000000. Since I was born, you have given me all I need. Your dark crumbly earth has fed me. Your clear water has quenched my thirst. Your raw materials have clothed me, housed me, entertained me, inspired me. Your rich atmosphere
Dear Earth, I have a question.
On 22nd September 2019 by SatyaI committed to the challenge of not buying any new clothes for a year. I’m taking part in the rebellion in October, and I’m afraid of being cold on the bridge at night. My coat is thin. I can’t find a good second hand one. Do I buy a shiny new one? Do I carry
Dear Earth, I trusted them.
On 20th September 2019 by SatyaI trusted the scientists. If they discovered our house was burning, I thought they would scream ‘fire! fire!’ until we were all out and safe. I trusted the media. I thought they would make the climate crisis front page news until we acted to save their children. I thought they would tell the truth. I