The Ukrainian Warrior
Pembroke Pines, FL
2023, Junior, Poetry & Spoken Word
Climate Hero: Illyess El Kortbi, Fridays for Future
After a war on land and war at sea
This soldier is determined not to flee
With steel-like skin, and a rock-solid heart
Their fear and their determination,
Must not drift apart
A vision for the future
Despite their dark past
A virtuous trooper
Making their impact last
Ilyess El Kortbi, with their vision
Seeing the tears of the Earth and the people;
Not separately, but linked
Showing their vision for the future,
On papers with ink
In the Arctic region, an ambassador for the climate
With luminary heroes by their side
Earnest efforts determined to lengthen their stride
The dangers of global warming anything but private
Aware of the dark secrets of the rich
Not afraid to make her pitch
Wars of international countries
While us, sitting safely, risk the life of one tree
Our Earth
Finite, lacking immortality
Ever since our great birth,
Ruining our lifespan without rationality.
Making the killing of our planet known,
Through their protests and strikes
Shall they forever sit on a golden throne
For climbing the environmental impact hike
A Ukrainian warrior
A face lathered in scars
A sick Earth they abhor
Yet still, they stand, reaching their hand up to the stars
Reflection
Through my research process, I came across Ilyess El Kortbi and her efforts towards climate change. I researched her background and her story and realized her unique soul and experience. She had experienced the Ukrainian conflict first-hand and made the connection between European conflicts and climate change. She realized that climate change not only had an effect on environmental issues, but on political, social, and economic aspects. Society is not only negatively affecting its environment but social statuses and international relations. For me, writing is an art. The art of communication with words is truly invaluable and through words, powerful and meaningful messages can be conveyed. I want to show people that words can be used to share stories and the ideas of others. Those voices that haven't been heard, they can be propelled into the spotlight with art. I believe that using art, whether spoken, written, drawn, painted, made, or seen, can be a powerful tool to battle climate change and spread voices otherwise unknown. Ilyess El Kortbi´s efforts towards climate change, from staying in an Arctic basecamp to protesting in Ukraine, have opened my eyes to hope for the future, and help in the battle against global warming from diverse voices from all around the world.