Reflection

Reflection

My eco-poem explores the feelings, desires, and experiences of limestone rock, re-imagining what it means to be “alive” and trying to expand that definition to include non-human matter. In doing so, I explore the themes of loss and the devastating impact of human activities on our planet's biodiversity, and I find solace in knowing that I am not alone in my endeavor. Philosophers like Professor Ursula K. Heise have shaped my thinking in this area, with her analysis of the cultural frameworks that shape the narratives and images of extinction, and which lives are worth preserving. Reading her work reminds me that my poetry is part of a larger movement to awaken the public's consciousness and inspire people to care about all life forms, not just human and human-like animals. By imagining this limestone’s birth and the moment when it first experiences the sun through poetry, I hope to contribute to the understanding of the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world, and inspire action towards a future that embraces multispecies justice and values the preservation of our diverse ecosystems.