When advertisers exhort us to drive ever larger fast cars –
We shall not comply.
When fashion houses entreat us to buy clothes for the beach and more for barbecue, clothes for lounging and more for reclining –
We shall not comply.
When top chefs urge us to buy tropical fruits and exotic grains, to eat strawberries in January and avocados in September –
We shall not comply.
When your companies tout trips to the Tropics, all flights included,
or city breaks by air –
We shall not comply.
When weekend magazines promote this season’s new colour schemes wall paper and furnishing, out with the old and in with the new –
We shall not comply.
When tech industries unveil this year’s new phone, the upgraded tablet and irreparable head sets –
We shall not comply.
When governments tell us that coal mines are good and ask for our vote –
We shall not comply.
When trend setters define the next must-have accessory and deride what was last season’s in thing –
We shall not comply.
When politicians tell us national needs are all important and foreigners must wait –
We shall not comply.
Holy God,
keep awake in us a true love for the earth,
its flora and fauna, our brothers and sisters.
Strengthen our resolve to live within our means,
to act with compassion, and following your will –
We shall COMPLY!