BORN WITH A TASK
Shanghai, China
2024, Junior, Poetry & Spoken Word
Eyes blink open. What has happened to this world?
News, TVs, class, social media — alarm unfurled,
They all spread a unified message of fear,
“The world is on fire, or didn’t you hear?”
In Shanghai, skies sapphire blue.
Pure white clouds, blessings imbued,
Soaring skyscrapers with plenty to enjoy.
Unsure if this beauty is simply a ploy.
Down I plunged, off the outrigger canoe,
Cold, clear water, my mind renewed.
Movement and life and breathless views.
Aren’t corals all bleached? I’m confused.
Born with a task, a burden heavy on our shoulders,
The yearly smell of ash from our forests in smolders,
I hear the fish prayers choked by crude distillates,
Youth shuttered behind screens where anxiety awaits.
The key to change is through determined action,
But only a positive message will build up traction.
There’s still enough time for us to rearrange.
With hope and courage, I know this world can change.
Reflection
Reflection
I live in a very big city in China, Shanghai. Shanghai is a very international and economically thriving city. In a city like Shanghai, we are distanced from oil leaks, forest fires, tornadoes, ice melting, and other negative impacts to the climate. In fact, I often feel winters are getting even colder! At this distance, it is easy to feel confused and even anxious over the constant message of doom. Recently, I was lucky to experience scuba diving in the ocean in the Philippines. Before this fascinating diving trip, I heard about bleached coral reefs, dead fish, or even garbage patches in the sea! I wanted to have my own experience. Down I went, only to be greeted by beautiful coral reefs and millions and billions and trillions of fish. After all the scary news I have seen, it was this positive experience that really helped me want to save the planet. This issue has been passed from generation to generation. So now it is our turn to solve it or watch beautiful nature go extinct! Instead of being afraid and overwhelmed by the responsibility, I want students to feel excited and positive. More positive messages will build up stronger traction. Let’s pull people in with a message of hope. Step by step, we can build up a better earth. Everyone taking one little step = one big step forward.