Survivor

Only the casual arrival of a predator disturbed our peace. But we knew how to defend ourselves. We had no talons like the great birds, nor fangs like the serpents, but we had skillful hands to construct, and to use tools—and our union. Few creatures dared to defy us, what was pretty good, since we hated to kill.

Life was our greatest possession and value. Sometimes, I think to be listening to the melodies blown through the long horns and I try to follow them, but... they are not there anymore. They are just reminiscences in my head.

For you came. You, who one day had left the Great Green, would have to return. You, who seem to have forgotten about our existence, that one day we have been brothers, brought our doom.

I saw tools that roared horribly in your hands, harvesting in a few moments secular lives. I saw you guide metal giants to violate Mother Earth. I saw the forest agonizing in flames, I saw home burning its children. I watched, impotent, the genocide of my people.

Despair, madness, pain, death... Death!

A few were spared. Better if we had not survived to see what you have done. Instead of the green, the grayish brown of burnt earth, where the sole movement was that of the black serpents—much more frightening than those we knew—raising in spirals to the darkened sky. Trees, majestic before, lay among their own ashes and of so many other creatures. The waters, also dark and dirty, ran like wisps of putrid blood over a ruined face.

Who are you, who bring such horror? Why so much hate, so much destruction, and no mercy. What have you become? A race of insane?

Now I am alone. The others have not resisted for long. Food is scarce. We had to eat the flesh of our dead fellows. I do not have much time. I hear the sea down there, the waves against the cliffs. How long until you destroy it too?

Death approaches. Mine will be a relief. But my species' will be painful. How many species shall have you exterminated? How many will you exterminate, before you even meet them?

Vultures shall eat my flesh. They will survive in your trail, parasites of the Earth. One day, you will kill your host... and will die with her.

Or will you be able to find another?