The snow grew needles on my skin, yet my body formed a barrier, producing goosebumps instead of blood.
The heatwaves surrounded my fragile body, yet beads of sweat covered my forehead, and I remained unharmed.
The wind blew dust and pollen into my eyes, yet my lashes fluttered and deflected it all.
I smile while nature feels.
From my bed, I hear the rain softly lull me to sleep.
From my window, I see the electric strokes of nature’s paint light up my dark room.
From the path, I feel the nip of a cold winter’s fog on my pink nose.
We adapt to each other, nature and I, as we change the world around us.
I build barriers against her emotions – her winter, summer, autumn and spring.
And in return, she paints for me the evening sky, in shades of orange and pink. She leaves trails of flowers beside the path on which I walk, and sprinkles frost and flakes for me to find while the sun wakes up.
How lucky am I to have such a friend who loves and protects me as the moon changes her tides and the heat wilts her flowers. Through it all, nature loves me, and I love her.
Oh, what a beautiful friendship we have, nature and I.
Writer – Olivia Hautler
Editor – Kenneth Gong
Artist – Lily Yee
–May 2026–
Leave a Reply