crescent language
Lexington, KY
2019, Senior, Poetry & Spoken Word
though humans are just one speck
swirling in the infinity of the universe,
we have always been quick to forget the microscopic.
if seeing is believing, then
if we cannot see it
it must not exist.
this is the truth we have accepted.
bearing witness to this cheap judgement looks like
0.9 degrees celsius, less than 1, practically nothing,
misinformed mathematicians pat themselves on the back, satisfied.
banners of fake news fly freely in streets,
their owners mistaking experience for evidence,
“it’s still snowing—
“record setting cold—
“wouldn’t be bad to have a little of that
good old-fashioned global warming right now!”
so who can blame the ocean for being so silent,
when these voices scream so loud?
tired, she retreats.
venus drowns in sea foam,
silenced.
the foundation evaporates—
yet again, unobservable.
but even plankton,
their bodies spanning less than a tenth of an inch,
learns to speak.
in millions of tons of poison molded to air,
in self-sacrifice, the blank canvas for saltwater sentience,
in cerulean, blooms staining our hands,
a reminder
no, you cannot forget your actions.
if even the smallest of life can move masses,
why can we not do the same?
when we command with one voice,
there is only so long they can ignore
our cry.
perhaps the horrors blared on sirens feel like faraway
nightmares. they won’t be around to witness
the end of the world,
so why does it matter?
but we breathe revolution.
incandescent, we reach
out to sea, embracing waves like old friends,
and storm their shores.
let them know
the erased tomorrow is here.
Reflection
Reflection
The ocean holds great magic often invisible to the naked eye. This poem explores the effects of climate change we cannot directly see, focusing on the smallest organisms in our oceans—plankton. Though tiny, they provide over half of the world’s oxygen supply through photosynthesis, paint the sea surface with beautiful blooms, and are the basis of many marine food chains. I find it fascinating that such little creatures play such an important role in our ecosystems, but global warming threatens their very existence. Lack of water mixing due to warmer temperatures leaves plankton with none of the nutrients they need to survive. If we do not work to save them, we not only lose essential life, but also the very air we breathe. Plankton also demonstrate an encouraging message: no matter how small, you can learn to make a difference. In a world where people, including national leaders, dismiss science and its findings, we must speak out and let them know that we are suffering the consequences of their actions, no matter how insignificant our protests feel. This is why I’ve begun mobilizing those around me to reduce their carbon footprint and to vote for policymakers who care about the present and future of our oceans. I hope my writing shows not only the danger we are in, but also that the future is ours to shape. If every single person could do one thing to help our oceans, we will become a movement.