By Jessie Chuks
I am Salt, I give taste, I add flavor
I am the chief ingredient
I am the most valuable of all
I know my worth, my usefulness
The chef can’t deny this
You may not notice my presence
But my absence is always loud.
I make a lasting impression
I am Salt.
I am Salt, I preserve
I am not restricted to the kitchen
I preserve freshness, I prevent rottenness
I preserve originality, I prevent decay
I preserve—ask the scientist
A little at a time, that’s all you need
Moderation is the word
Just a friendly reminder, too much is too dangerous
I am Salt.
I am Salt, I destroy
But only the bad guys
I keep your gums safe from them
At the dentist’s recommendation.
I could sting you like a Bee
But don’t worry, it’s to keep you safe
For with each sting comes healing
And a relief
I am Salt
I am Bee, I am a treasure
I provide quality food
I produce honeycomb
I pollinate and cross-pollinate seeds and nuts
I plant trees
I prevent soil erosion
I am responsible for your coffee and spices
I should be cherished
I am Bee.
I am Bee, I make honey
I make Beeswax and Bee pollen
I heal, with the numerous medicines I make
I make Bee venom and Royal Jelly
I fertilize plants—for humans
Now that Salt mentioned it
I sting, to protect me and mine
I sting to preserve life, my life
I am Bee
I am Bee
I have a colony, I sting to protect it
From Humans’ chemicals and appropriation. You bet I do
I sting to protect my beehives
I sting Humans, they take everything I make for myself
Even after I travel from place to place
To transport and fertilize seeds for them
I sting humans, they always invade
I am Bee
I am Human, I guess this is the place where I speak for myself
I command, I control, I dominate to thrive
I am needy, I am selfish, I am greedy
When I discovered you, it was because I needed you
When I did some studies, actually lots of studies,
It was to maximize your benefits and your usefulness to me
I like putting everything to good use
I do not like waste, so I made sure to find numerous uses for you
I am Human
I am Human, you said I like to invade
Of course I do. What did you think? How else do I survive?
I am an opportunist, I am the selfish coordinator, the greedy nature consumer
I like to have my way, I like to be in charge
That way I become the beneficiary of your multiple benefits
I need everyone, I need the values you bring, I always need them
I may be a little self-centered, or outright selfish
But I need you to survive, I need you all to keep going
I am Human.
I am Human
Even though I am not mindful of the damages I cause you
I realize that when I invade, it affects you
I pledge to preserve like Salt, to protect like Bee
To coordinate and organize better
To appreciate and care for you and everyone
I value you, I cherish you, I treasure you
I know better, I will do better. Still—I
am Human.
