“LOVE” is a much-used word and it may mean a lot of things. It is a feeling, an emotion, a special liking for someone or something. It is associated with heterosexual and homosexual relationship. It could be something negative if it becomes self-love. On the other hand, there is elevated love known as “prema” by Hindus or “ishq” by Muslims. It is the unconditional and selfless love of God. For Christians, “GOD IS LOVE”, a very explicit message found in the New Testament which extols the virtues of love and forgiveness. In a letter to the Corinthians, St Paul wrote: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

Today, William Blake’s Garden of Love has become a field covered with tangled thorny thickets watered with selfishness and greed. Love is perceived as a disposable commodity which can be bought and sold. Selfless love has been replaced by self-love and selfish love. Can we stop this downhill fall? Do we have time enough. A report by French scientists published on SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 predict a sharp rise in temperature by the end of this century accompanied by horrendous climatic conditions worldwide. Earth is warming more quickly than thought. By 2100, average temperatures could rise 7.0 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels if carbon emissions continue unabated, separate models from two leading research centres in France showed.

Science and Pope Francis are warning us that grave danger looms ahead but we prefer to listen to the denial industry funded by the great polluters of this world. Only love which generates care, solidarity and sharing can stop this moral decline but we prefer to listen to promises of increased wealth. Will we be touched by works of art or by beautiful songs such as this one by Jean Ferrat?

C’EST BEAU LA VIE

Le vent dans tes cheveux blonds, le soleil à l’horizon
Quelques mots d’une chanson, que c’est beau, c’est beau la vie
Un oiseau qui fait la roue sur un arbre déjà roux
Et son cri par-dessus tout, que c’est beau, c’est beau la vie.
Tout ce qui tremble et palpite, tout ce qui lutte et se bat
Tout ce que j’ai cru trop vite à jamais perdu pour moi
Pouvoir encore regarder, pouvoir encore écouter
Et surtout pouvoir chanter, que c’est beau, c’est beau la vie.
Le jazz ouvert dans la nuit, sa trompette qui nous suit
Dans une rue de Paris, que c’est beau, c’est beau la vie.
La rouge fleur éclatée d’un néon qui fait trembler
Nos deux ombres étonnées, que c’est beau, c’est beau la vie.
Tout ce que j’ai failli perdre, tout ce qui m’est redonné
Aujourd’hui me monte aux lèvres en cette fin de journée
Pouvoir encore partager ma jeunesse, mes idées
Avec l’amour retrouvé, que c’est beau, c’est beau la vie.
Pouvoir encore te parler, pouvoir encore t’embrasser
Te le dire et le chanter, oui c’est beau,
c’est beau la vie.

LAVI ZOLI

Divan dan sevé frengan, soley pa rod paravan
Parol enn santé lontan, li zoli, lavi zoli
Enn zwazo lao-lao ranz so nik lor pié koko
So santé pa konn defo, li zoli, lavi zoli.
Tou seki bouzé, vibré, tou seki zame kilé
Tou seki dan mo krwayans zamé pa pou retourné
Tank lizié ankor trouvé, e zorey ankor tandé
Tank kapav ankor santé, li zoli, lavi zoli.
Kan lamizik Ernest Wiehe pe soufflé ler preferé
Dan lari lavil Porlwi, li zoli, lavi zoli
Kan rouz boukiebanané dir nou pa dekourazé
Parski lavi kontinié, li zoli, lavi zoli.
Tou seki mo finn perdi, tou seki mo finn gagné
Zordi apé revini ler soley pe al kousé
Kan kapav ankor doné, mo lafors ek mo lidé,
Kan lamour pa pe boudé, li zoli, zoli lavi.
Kan ankor kapav kozé, ankor anvi anbrasé
Dir tousa ar melodi, li zoli, zoli lavi.