Two you’d think should be allies –
who need to live together
in mutual support, symbiosis,
in give and take, ebb and flow,
in response, adaptation
… in balance.
Earth silting over,
piling up, drying out, being shovelled,
rearranged by hands and machines,
becoming inhospitable to water;
earth discharging its garbage –
being made to discharge its garbage –
to crowd water, to infect water.
Water overflowing –
overflowing the sky in enormous rains;
overflowing the seabed, which
no longer contains it; overflowing
rivers and streams, roaring
to crash over fields, against bridges,
through houses, to inundate and alter
the lives of all who live on the earth.
A conflict deadly for us
who need both earth and water.
[See earlier version.]
Revising this one meant losing the form it was originally written in, in favour of free verse.
Sharing with Poets and Storytellers United at Friday Writings #135: Less is more.
Glad you're feeling better. And this poem is so timely (the updated version comes across as more powerful, I think). We're losing this battle..just today I read about how Lithium batteries are polluting soil and water during production and disposal (forget lithium extraction).
ReplyDeleteYes, it certainly does appear we are losing the battle. And yet must not give up, I think. (As you know, I can get VERY despairing ... but even so.)
DeleteCenturies of humankind, taking, taking, taking. But without hope what is there but despair when there is no escape from our actions.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a difficult time in which to even try to stay positive.
DeleteHow on earth can we not feel despair with everything in such turmoil. However you are right...we must keep on fighting the battle... Hope you are feeling better...it can take a while...Soldier on true blue little Aussie Trooper:) Take care.....Rall
ReplyDeleteWell, dear Rall, your words have brought a smile to my face! Thank you.
DeleteA conflict that has to be addressed everyway we can , both the old and new drive the the point home....loved both of them
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jossina, that'a good to know.
DeleteThe last line really sums it up!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'm glad to be told that.
DeleteThis doesn't need a form. It rolls like a hurricane. Hope you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteOh, what a great comment! Thank you.
DeleteYes, thank you again, I am finally beginning to feel quite a lot better.