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Almost Gone, by Don Tassone

29/9/2023

 
“We’ve been through this before, you know.”

“What?”

“Almost going extinct.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, about a million years ago.”

“What happened?”

“Climate change wiped out about 99% of all early humans. And the population stayed that small for more than 100,000 years.”

“What brought it back?”

“Nobody knows.”

“How many of us are there now?”

“Who knows? Maybe a few thousand.”

“And climate change is killing us off again.”

“Yeah, but this time, it’s our fault.”

“Think we’ll bounce back this time?”

“Probably not.”

“Well, if we don’t, maybe some new life form will take our place.”

“Hope it’s more intelligent.”
Peppermint
29/9/2023 12:37:29 pm

Reality lies in the story which many will scoff at since they choose not to change. Hope rests in the final line.

Kathy K
29/9/2023 01:30:09 pm

We are visitors here on this planet, and we are not very polite. Or considerate. I figure we won’t be guests for long. Unless this iteration of humans is just a beta test and the next model is more intelligent.

Libby Belle link
29/9/2023 04:14:33 pm

I think this might be the hell so many scholars have referred to. We reach for the stars for the good of mankind, having learned from our terrible mistakes, and once we're enlightened we withdraw, only to start the cycle all over again. I'd like to know how to explain this to our children who will inherit our hell on earth. I like Kathy's thought - we are visitors here. Then let's show some GD respect! Thanks, Don, you got me off my rocker today! :)

Jim Bartlett link
29/9/2023 04:41:54 pm

Nicely done, Don
Jim

Christa Loughrey
29/9/2023 05:19:49 pm

Another good, thought-provoking story, Don.

Paul Freeman
29/9/2023 06:09:16 pm

I'm off to Mars. Ta ta, folks.

Doug
29/9/2023 06:25:55 pm

As long as there's breath there is hope. Nice job, Don.

Sue Clayton
30/9/2023 05:56:32 am

Nature is wonderful at rejuvenating. Don't think humankind is so adaptable.

Don Tassone link
30/9/2023 11:50:10 am

Thank you all for your thoughtful comments.

Rod Drake
30/9/2023 05:03:57 pm

Nature does keep finding a way to let things flourish, one way or the other

Don Tassone link
30/9/2023 08:44:55 pm

Thanks, Rod.

Tom Baldwin
2/10/2023 11:13:58 am

To the point, as always, Don.

Don Tassone link
2/10/2023 12:39:18 pm

Thank you, Tom.


Comments are closed.

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