Change and Hope
Arcadia, CA
2024, Junior, Poetry & Spoken Word
The history of Kilauea is where the sea meets land;
shadows of quick-footed clouds used to prance along these sands.
We breathed in crashing waves and exhaled with hands outstretched.
We knew that time was not a kind one.
Shadows of quick-footed clouds used to prance along these sands.
Now they creep through pallid leaves, drowning in a wasteland.
We knew that time was not a kind one.
Heat steals sweat from our skin, slipping into a glaucous sky.
Now they creep through pallid leaves, drowning in a wasteland.
Butterfly wings used to laugh alongside us in this place.
Heat steals sweat from our skin, hiding in a glaucous sky.
Silence pools in our ears with tongues held.
Butterfly wings used to laugh alongside us in this place.
The cool ocean used to glide across our skin, flowing between fish.
Silence pools in our ears with tongues held.
It is hard to hold a weakened hand.
The cool ocean used to glide across our skin, flowing between fish.
It lies defeated beneath itself, smothering bleached corals.
It is hard to hold a weakened hand.
Though all it takes is a gentle tug.
It lies defeated beneath itself, smothering bleached corals;
Amongst the destruction, a new life feebly grows its way up.
All it takes is a gentle tug.
A leafy sphere would eventually bear fruit.
Amongst the destruction, a new life feebly grows its way up.
The small sprout catches my eye, a hala plant trying to survive
The leafy sphere would eventually bear fruit.
A sign of new life and hope.
Reflection
Reflection
I can't get over the breathtaking beauty of Kilauea in Kauai. The lush valleys, vibrant forests, and the majestic ocean - just perfect in their ways. When I revisited Kilauea during this spring break, the Poke still tasted incredibly delicious, and the locals were as warm and welcoming as ever. However, I couldn't help but notice the harsh effects of climate change on the island, from rising temperatures to coral bleaching. This experience inspired me to express my feelings through a poem to connect with others who share my passion for protecting our planet. It's time to join forces and make a positive change for our Earth.