The Spirit of Nature
Quincy, MA
2023, Junior, Poetry & Spoken Word
Climate Hero: Howey Ou
Lining every jovial road,
the fragrant blossoms of orange and soft yellows
paired with refreshing ovaloid leaves.
Named the forest of sweet Osmanthus;
the southern city of China, Guilin.
As China continues to ignore the cries
from the mountains and flourishing greens;
this beauty will soon be withering,
contrasting the waves of heat.
Howey Ou.
There she stands alone,
the sky’s the clock,
ticking with orange hues;
she holds the flimsy cardboard
in front of the government offices of her home.
A letter was sent:
“You are banned from school.”
The number was dialed:
110
The door was—
knock…
She was questioned
and warned
“Stop this nonsense”
This “nonsense” can sprout a bud,
that will turn into a nurturing tree;
providing us with a breath of the magical greenery.
Instead of a book from 8-5,
she kneeled down
with a shovel in her hand.
With the coarse dirt hitting her knees,
she planted the tall brown root into the soil of Guilin.
Plant for Survival; a campaign for change.
Someday those tulips will never bloom
and the birds will never chirp.
It has started and we must end,
the blobing of trash in the seas,
along the toxic chemicals in the air we breathe.
Reflection
I admire nature. The gusts of wind, the radiating sun, and the rustle of leaves. My bedroom window only lets me see so little. The tall plant is bare through winter and blooms in spring. I enjoy seeing the little blossoms of whites and the excited chirping of the brown birds. Sometimes the plump red one will show up and land on the branch. I wish that our future generations will be able to see the shimmer of water and the variety of greens. Some ignore and dismiss the thumping issue of global warming. Ever so often they glance at the clock, wondering, "How much time is left?" I wanted to highlight the bravery and significance of activists like Greta Thunberg and the actions they have taken to protest climate change. Through my research, I found Howey Ou, a true hero who, despite her difficulties and the opposite views of society, continues to protest. After seeing some videos documenting her journey, I was upset with the way passersby reacted to her protest. Despite the rude and disrespectful comments she has received, she maintains a smile on her face and proudly holds up her sign. Howey Ou - an opposing figure and the intimidator of the world’s biggest polluter, China.