Sad

-Oh my God.

I just had to show Isaac my hidden lichen garden. It was only a short hop from our badlands adventure, so on our way out, we stopped.

This is what we found. Damn.

Someone had split the top right off. It lay upside down, dooming all those ancient lichens. And for what? They exposed—gained—absolutely nothing. Especially when there were so many abundant, accessible, smaller specimens scattered all around.

Such a senseless act.

-Decapitated.

I was in shock. For a moment, I wondered if I’d mistaken this desiccated rock for the one that had inspired me so deeply. But no. These were the remains.

Sadness washed over me. I grieved the loss. Then I got angry. What kind of person does something like this?

And then I remembered.

Decades ago, I was just as careless. I did the same kinds of things. I was once that reckless, ignorant kid. Shame and guilt replaced the anger. Then the anger came back—but softer, heavier.

I was raised in a small rural western community that was… limited. Resources were seen as things to rule over and exploit. That mindset fueled the local economy, the politics, even the religion. Without the internet or broader exposure, we were isolated and unaware. Left to our guns and our beliefs.

There’s an expression out here: dumb fucks. It was always used for everyone else.

But guess what?

Surprise.

That was us.

That was the reality back then. It’s not an excuse. We’ve paid for it—with squandered potential, lost treasures, and damaged health.

Now, decades later—with widespread travel, the internet, broader social awareness, environmental education, and better schools—is there any excuse for this kind of behavior?

None.

I had hoped the stupidity of my past would be replaced by something wiser. Kinder. More aware. I hoped children would be raised better than I was. That our efforts to nurture a more enlightened population would actually take root.

But not here.

On every level—politics, religion, government—it feels like so little has changed. I hoped for better. Especially for the children. Instead, it sometimes feels worse. I was ignorant. Today’s destruction often comes with full access to knowledge.

Deep time will take care of everything. That lichen thrived for thousands of years. It may yet outlast a few foolish humans like us.

But while we’re here, it remains a mystery to me why we can’t do better.

It’s just so damn sad. ✨

Cheers (I think),
D 🪨🔥