POETRY: ROOTS (EDITORIAL): D DOMINGUEZ (INS BY PABLO NERUDA)

Examining the branches of a magnificent tree

Wondering how strong it must be because of its sturdy roots

I thought long and hard how people, too, need robust roots in order to survive

The roots are the absolute foundation of everything and everyone

However, if someone comes along and damages the roots,

Then the entire structure will die

The entity might not collapse right away

But, slowly the magnificence of it all will die a poignant death

It will be all alone

Instead of the splendor that it was all cast in colors too beautiful for words

The marvelous edifice, like a person, will cease to exist—
Pillaged of all its grandeur

We all must die, but it should never be through the fault of deliberate negligence