Reflection

Speaking from the perspective of an immigrant, I find that oftentimes, how climate change is discussed is often centered on Western societies. Whether it is minimizing the issue to the point of frivolousness or magnifying it to the point of unfeasibility, we regularly lose insight into the changes and examples made every day. The idea of this poem came to me through my fascination with architecture. I can spend hours observing the details of structures like the Burj Khalifa with its decadent and intoxicating design or a simple stone house in the countryside. The idea that both beauty and functionality can be encapsulated in buildings within our society is incredibly revolutionary. It inherently imbues the sense of humanity that is necessary to design something that everyone can enjoy and appreciate. I think it's the value of community that most interested me in Yasmeen Lari. Her journey of discovering the ripples she can make in local communities through the reflection of her larger, honorific work is awe-inspiring. Through this poem, I intend for all of us to engage in some level of self-reflection. While we have the voices of the past reminding us of all that we failed to do, we also have our voices, the collective force of people pushing limits and making immense change.