By Al Seymour

Just about everyone who appreciates the wonders of nature, should be enjoying one of the richest displays of the Poinciana, seen for sometime, as the Island is aglow with what appears to be nature’s version of Christmas during the summer.

Yes, some might say it happens every year, and is no big thing. We also have sunsets every day, but each has it’s own, once in a lifetime, quality, that should never be taken for granted.

Perhaps there is a hidden message behind this burst of magnificent colour, where reds, golds, and greens dance together in the gentle breeze in a harmony that people would like to achieve.

There are many beautiful plants and trees around the world that help to decorate our planet with quiet beauty, at a time when the earth has so much to offer in different areas, while in other parts, almost out of sight and out of mind, men, women and children die daily in war-torn areas.

In a strange way, the same modern technology that allows us to see and enjoy great sporting events such as the World Cup, and Wimbledon, has also deadened our senses to the amount of suffering that continues to claim thousands of lives through starvation, corrupt Governments, and some who feel that those who do not share their beliefs, have no right exist.

The world is currently watching yet another deadly episode of human carnage in Iraq, as that country continues to struggle to seek a way to enjoy a place steeped in history, without this or that group being the sole power.

Emotions are so high between opposing sects, that even experts of world conflicts, are not confident that any solution can be found in the near future.

The brilliant camera technology that brings every move in today’s sports world, are usually not there during the last moments of that child that just died of starvation, while in other areas food was being tossed out, because there was no where to store it. So ironic.

Although these things have been happening for centuries, it doesn’t mean they should be allowed to continue.

The United Nations is a body that was formed to focus on major international problems, but even they become ensnarled in how to approach certain issues, resulting in prolonged suffering in disputed areas.

The imbalance of human justice is staggering for even seasoned scholars of world history.

Too much conflict is usually at the centre of disputes that affect lives across the planet, as those in power would rather crush opposition by any means necessary to retain that power.

Even our small, beautiful Island has more confrontation than we need, to preserve good values for living, and create an atmosphere future generations could appreciate.

A few days ago, while enjoying the explosion of colour from the Poincianas, someone rode by on a motorcycle with a T-shirt with foul crude words on the back, too inappropriate to mention here.

For a moment, I wondered whether we are beginning to lose our sense of respectable values, one T-shirt at a time.

It is the silence from the public that gives quiet approval that this is simply a part of today’s lifestyle.

There is a lesson from nature with the Poincianas, and that should be that nothing should be taken for granted.

I have heard stories of blooming Poincianas could also be a warning that we could be in for potential storm activity from hurricanes. Let’s hope that will not be the case.

Instead we collectively need to take a tip from that beautiful tree, that harmony comes in all colours.