The Children’s Hope (Sea Stars)
Harrisonburg, VA
2020, Senior, Performing Arts
Waiting as the time goes flying—another hour.
Standing on the coastline, silent, just watching our
oceans rising, sinking islands, but on our part,
there is hope that’s also rising in our hearts.
Sunrays, sunrays, waiting for your sunrays
Some day, some day, maybe there’ll be one day
when we’re one together and we can’t ignore
the children’s hope.
I know that we will find a way.
Our worries—they’ll all be swept away
‘cause if every single one of us tries,
all that’ll be left is a sky
of sea stars, sea stars, oh-woah-o-oh,
of sea stars, of sea stars, oh-woah-o-oh,
of sea stars, sea stars, oh-woah-o-oh,
of sea stars, of sea stars, oh-woah-o-oh
If we bring the thunder, every year can be a good year;
Greta Thunberg’s TIME’s person of a good year,
but just because it’s been good, doesn’t mean we can’t make it better.
Write an email, or you could even write down a letter demanding
change, we’re asking for progress.
The more we wait, the more that we do less.
Demolishing stereotypes and confusion—
that’s the way to start a global hope movement.
So why are you waiting? Start your action today—now.
Believe that this is your day. How?
Look around you at the things that you love,
from the creatures in the ocean to the birds from above,
and you can get the strength to go a little harder.
Eat responsibly, although it’s harder.
Use energy sustainably and smarter.
Wind, water, solar power—now it’s your hour.
Sunrays, sunrays, waiting for your sunrays.
Some day, some day, maybe there’ll be one day
when we’re one together and we can’t ignore
the children’s hope.
I know that we will find a way.
Our worries—they’ll all be swept away
‘cause if every single one of us tries,
all that’ll be left is a sky
of sea stars, sea stars, oh-woah-o-oh,
of sea stars, of sea stars, oh-woah-o-oh,
of sea stars, sea stars, oh-woah-o-oh,
of sea stars, of sea stars, oh-woah-o-oh
Hope is hollow like a seashell if we just cry.
We must follow all our dreams and always try.
Steady action is our only way to fly
to a world where the ocean is as vibrant as a sky
of sea stars, sea stars, oh-woah-o-oh,
of sea stars, of sea stars, oh-woah-o-oh,
of sea stars, sea stars, oh-woah-o-oh,
of sea stars, of sea stars, oh-woah-o-oh
Let’s go work hard together today.
We’ll know Earth has triumphed when we say:
There’s hope closer than the Milky Way.
Let’s go! Bring on the children’s hope,
Let’s go! Our dreams aren’t too far away.
Our hope flows like the Chesapeake Bay.
We won’t perish ‘cuz we’ll always say:
Let’s go! Cherish the children’s hope!
Reflection
My work was mainly inspired by my visualization while thinking about “climate hope”. For example, during my song’s chorus, I imagined listeners surfacing from underwater into a night sky full of glowing sea stars, representing a hopeful future. My music aims to transport listeners to these immersive scenes. For example, only bass percussion is used in the first half of the chorus, suggesting the underwater location. Learning about how climate change affects our oceans appalled and fueled me. However, I felt hopeful about music’s power to inspire action. I aimed to communicate authentic positivity with down-to-earth sounds. To do this, I used percussion that imitated waves, natural and traditional sounds (claps, tabla, and zither), and conversational rhythm. I even juxtaposed rap lyrics with ocean sounds. Ultimately, I let my emotions guide my creation. In my research on the climate crisis, I learned that the climate crisis affects everyone and that everyone can help solve it. For example, I plan to contact my representatives, use more sustainable energy, and continue researching. Particularly, young people’s role in solving climate change gives me hope. Children's involvement assures me that we will initiate a ripple effect of positivity in the face of climate change. The background instruments slowly drop out during my song’s ending, leaving only my voice. This shows the listener that the decision to create positive change is up to them alone. Ultimately, I want listeners to realize that they have the power to create a beautiful, sustainable future for all.