A Right, Not A Fight
Arkansas
2021, Junior, Poetry & Spoken Word
The way it used to be
We had to search and see
If we would survive this day,
Whether we would find a way.
All must drink
We need to rethink.
Fresh water should be a right,
Yet for many it’s a fight.
Before we all had to scavenge,
Now water is a challenge
For only a few.
What can we do?
As we make our climate hotter,
Islands flood with rising water.
Since 1880, an 8-inch rise
All our emissions make this no surprise.
Too much or too little can bring our end.
Corruption has become the trend.
Only those with power
Can take a frequent shower.
Only if your pockets clink
Can you take a drink.
Do you see the connection?
We must make the correction.
One’s kin or skin
Shouldn’t determine
To whom fresh water is supplied,
So now we are tasked to decide:
Will we adopt a Green New Deal
That will allow the people to heal?
If we can join as one
We will find a solution.
This problem can be solved
With people and governments involved.
Let us protest with might
To ensure our future is bright.
Every human wants to survive and thrive,
So let’s make fresh water a right, not a fight.
Reflection
Reflection
After learning about climate change, I wanted to get involved. When my teacher presented the opportunity to enter this contest, I knew right away that it was something I wanted to do. Everyone should have access to clean water, and we need to work together to do that. My work is meant to educate people about the distribution of drinkable water. It is corrupt, unjust, racist, and mistreats all those with less money and power. My poem is also meant to offer readers hope for the future, as well as help them understand that we can solve these problems if we work together. I think that all students should be offered chances to change our world for the better and to express themselves through creativity and art, like the opportunity I have received through this contest.