REFER TO GREY: Contemplations by Robert Greigos © 2007-2024

There is a comforting order to the workings of nature. Much is regular, predictable. There is easily recognizable pattern, fascinatingly intricate interaction, intensely inspiring beauty. And the warmth of Spring brings on tremendous optimism. It is a time when it is easy to believe nature is a welcoming benevolent place, a glorious gift of unbounded abundance. And so, it must always have been.

But then unpredictable disaster strikes, as in earthquake, landslide, flood, and freezing rain, or the arrogant cruelty of mankind intervenes, as in suicide bomber, revenge killing, or exploitive land grab, and one has to wonder if perhaps the seemingly benevolent gifts of nature are but a disturbing joke, a setup, some behind the scenes god's version of bait and switch. And if so, need we offer sacrifice to appease such angry gods? Or perhaps, take up weapons of war? Those thoughts too, must always have been.

We are such precarious creatures, balanced always on the sorrowfully inadequate knowledge and thoughts that inhabit our brains.

May your godlike wisdom and useful understanding be always growing and seldom stifled.