On Seeing What We Have Lost

Sat peacefully on rocky cliff, one breezy autumn day.
They flew in, groups from Ireland, intent upon their way.
I watched as tiny swallows arrived ‘cross lively sea.
Slight frame, bright eyes and able,
To migrate on flies for free.

No tech. No weather forecast, from cumbersome machine.
That little mind connected.
Life natural and serene.

Impressive in their beauty, as well of power in flight.
At one with inmost senses, should they navigate at night.
No need of gentle moonlight, nor stars to guide at sea,
When facing cloudy passage on moody, open sea.

Some say, ‘Oh, that is instinct’, then calmly walk away.
No thought of depth or meaning?
Do they question what they say?
How to time departure? The route, direction choose?
What wind or lurking thunderstorm, means everything to lose?

Did we as early humans enjoy such gifts, long gone?
To set off on some journey and to know, we won’t go wrong.
That innate intuition, most creatures all possess.
Yet we, preferring logic, no more that path express.

Recall the great tsunami, on far off Asian shore.
The animals left swiftly, aware of risks in store.
Intent that their survival was in finding higher ground.
The people watched the forecasts.
Too late to move around.

Reflect on being human.
Dulled senses, going fast.
Replaced by screen dependence.
How long will this phase last?
Refresh the view, the outlook.
Consider why we’re here?
There’s more to life than lifestyle.
Let wisdom reappear.