Water is Something Worth Fighting For
Stillwater, OK
2021, Junior, Poetry & Spoken Word
Why is it so hard to accept the truth?
All of us want to turn away from the fact
The Earth is dying because of our measures
Eagerly we grasp at the necessities of living,
Resplendent materials that are taken for granted
In the midst of chaos, there is water
Surviving on what bare strands it has left
Several people lie dying, bodies crumbling
Only fault is being too caring
Men, women, children drinking puddles
Encumbered by race and money
The rich say that petroleum is black gold.
Have they ever lived without water?
Impartial is this liquid, yet sadly life is not
Nonchalance for the few, struggle for the many
Grim fights for such an important item.
We must wake from negligence and
Overcome our challenges
Realize that the Earth is changing
This ephemeral source of beauty
Harrowing to those deserving of the opportunity.
Feel the oceans breathing, dreaming
Intertwined with Mother Nature
Gleams of light and reflection
Hope often shadowed by conflict
The mirrors showing despair and horror
I see injustice, a war within ourselves
Never forget that we all are humans.
Giving back is pushing forward
Full harmony joining us together
Our water must live
Restored by the hands that once destroyed.
Reflection
Reflection
Living in several places throughout my life, I was able to experience water in many different ways. I loved going to Cape Cod and breathing in the fresh air. I jumped in waves with my cousin and brother. I fished countless hours in freshwater ponds, making several moments with my family both in South Korea and America. I always had fond memories of water simply because I never worried about losing it entirely from my life. When I began reading about the increasingly deadly water crises in poverty-stricken areas, I started to understand how important it was to advocate for these deserving people, regardless of what power I had. With these thoughts in mind, I created an acrostic poem highlighting the different standpoints we have with water. I entered this contest with hopes of sharing my work with the world and inspiring them to change how they view water. My mission was to let people know how thankful they should be when they have clean water with them for their many needs. After writing for the contest, I felt solace in that our generation is vigilant with climate change and other world issues. We as a society will do our best to make sure no one is left behind in terms of living a safe life.