Naturalistic Observations

It is such a simple thing
Sitting and watching nature
A broken tree trunk becomes a pathway for small creatures
To reach great heights

It is such a simple thing
Sitting and watching life
Social interactions become an opportunity for individuals
to connect

It is such a simple thing
Standing
Moving
Caring
Helping
Sitting in silence listening to the heart-felt words of a friend
Or a stranger

We observe
We assimilate data
We measure it with our innate abilities
Experience
Learning

We can choose to transmit
Harm
Help

We can choose to
Take
Give
Wound
Heal

We can choose to reach out
Or quietly sit and observe

It is such a simple thing

Paul Cech has been writing poetry since 1970. Several of his poems have been published as Saturday Poems in the Pittsburgh- Post Gazette and the Thomas Merton Center of Pittsburgh has published several of his poems in NewPeople. Read other articles by Paul.