I wrote this poem, after reflecting upon what it would be like to be a 500 year old tree in Panama's Darien Jungle.

As an environmental lawyer, representing the Embera-Wounaan indigenous tribes, in the Darien, I am extremely concerned about their future. The Embera-Wounaan are a proud, fascinating people. Their culture and rainforest, in Panama's Darien Province, is being decimated at an alarming rate. National Geographic, CNN, and other news media will soon visit Panama. Hopefully they will focus on the Darien and its indigenous tribes (mainly Embera, Wounaan, and Kuna).

There are many stories to be told here. Just as in the Amazon, the Darien Jungle is facing-off against corporate greed, and is losing. A sane and sustainable compromise must be reached, soon.

TROPICAL ABUNDANCE

Sweet oxygen drifts from limbs above
To fuel my soul and heart
I feel its warmth, I wonder how
My wealth may soon depart

As the jungle sings its gentle song
Its melody makes me sigh
Abundant wealth, endangered now
Invites an Indian’s cry

Will you cut me, will you drown me
My soul is longing to know
Or will you save me, will you show me
How I may fully grow

Sawed to pieces or standing tall
Life’s essence versus death
Economic truth approaches
As I take another breath

My cells dividing through roots and shoots
Sprouting branches with breathing leaves
I will barter and bargain my oxygen
To those who truly believe

Trees are golden temples
Endangered by saw’s teeth
Tall verdant green, touching God
Our worth beyond belief

Michael Pierce
July 10, 2008