Through closed eyes I see life. I see a lush green forest full of many plants, colors of the rainbow, that flourish wild and free, weaving in and out of the trees. I see towering, authoritative evergreens who rule the area and cast shadows on the moss clinging to the smooth, damp rocks below, and I smell the strong scent of fresh and crisp pine. I see creatures ranging from the humble beetle to the stealthy jaguar to the majestic macaw crowing in a nearby bush, filling the air with song and sensation. I see species unknown to mankind but well known to other life, living in peace, undisturbed by outside influences and maintaining a natural hierarchy of life. I see a peaceful coexistence, a world ever changing, a world of wonder and peace. Through closed eyes I see life.

Through open eyes I see destruction. I see a once expansive lush green forest condensed to a small fraction of the area it once occupied. I see piles of shredded wood, the remains where the evergreens once stood, cut down for selfish reasons, and I smell a faint scent of pine emanating from the wood, mixed with the scent of gasoline. I see few creatures, a shy fox scratching its ear before scattering into the thinning trees. I see a distorted hierarchy of life; the once top members are the now most hunted. I see a world ever changing, a world shifting toward the worse. Through open eyes I see destruction.

Through closed eyes I see mystery. I see pristine water shimmering underneath the powerful and relentless summer sun. I see ever-marching waves brush passed jagged rocks and lively reefs, swimming with creatures of variety impossibly measured. I see the brewing maelstrom on the horizon, the air fizzling with electricity of the impending tempest. I smell the strong stench of salt and feel the wind whip over the flat, expansive ocean, both wind and wave unable to be tamed by even the most powerful. I see a beast to humans but a mother to other creatures, a world constantly threatening those who believe themselves superior, and constantly nurturing those naturally meant to be. I see a world ever changing, a world attempting to right wrongs. Through closed eyes I see mystery.

Through open eyes I see carelessness. I see once pristine water dyed black with oil and pollution, the thriving life of the past pushed to inferiority. I see water birds that once soared through the endless expanse or air reduced to creatures dependent on their destroyers for assistance. I see piles of cracked beer bottles, plastic containers, and cigarette remains left haphazardly behind by those unknowing of the liter's effect. I smell the heterogeneous scent of seaweed and trash, one smell belonging and one smell an intruder. I see the imminent cyclone steadily approaching, seeking retaliation on those who ruin the natural order of the water. I see a world ever changing, a world seeking revenge. Through open eyes I see carelessness.

Through closed eyes I see birds roaming independently, flying freely and innocently. Through open eyes I see smog, hindering the flight and sight of these creatures.

Through closed eyes I see abundant herds of buffalo gazing in lavish pastures. Through open eyes I see a few buffalo attempting to escape self-serving, unyielding poachers.

Through closed eyes I see an ecosystem , symbiotic relationships maintaining peace. Through open eyes I see once natural instincts turning into a struggle for survival.

Through closed eyes I see paradise. Through open eyes I am not so sure.