The Cradle

If you were to look back at the relatively short history of mankind, you would find a rich backdrop of vibrant colors, pulsating sounds and sights that at times can only be recreated in the imagination. Events that took your thoughts aloft straight into an electrical brainstorm. Competition was always fierce. The Space Race, the Arms Race, Politicians and their about faces. Battles were won, in both the ethical arena and the theater of operations. Demonstrators fought for a cause with their voices and sheer presence, and soldiers became acquainted with the color red in the midst of automatic gunfire. What was their fuel? A better future? A urge to maintain what already existed? Did they have ideals that humbled the most egocentric soul to action? In times of disaster, of discovery, of being on the brink of yet another achievement, that sense of elation at the combined actions of the people is all too brief.

I like to hear people's thoughts on things like the future, destiny, and fate. But in my eyes, the Earth is just a large blue and green cradle. An entire species without any guidance. We try as we might to fill that gap; Religion, philosophies, principles, and occasionally getting very, very drunk. And yet, humanity is still here. Against all odds. Our sheer brainpower, our raw individuality; it could almost be seen as baking soda volcano, waiting for the vinegar to be dumped on it. And yet, we exist.

Sometimes it seems like there aren't many things that polarize people anymore. Our favorite pasttime has become discussing what new doomsday will befall us. I don't know about you, but I still think that somewhere underneath the madness, we have learned somewhat from our mistakes. And we've made plenty. But like a child who is just learning to walk, we are all going to take our share of stumbles. There's still a long road ahead. If we do ever make it to the point where we deem ourselves ready to move out of our planetary house, I just might shed a tear. It would be a hell of an accomplishment.