Poetry

Poetry is the clear expression of mixed feelings.

– W. H. Auden –

Poetry allows us to express emotion in a completely different way than simple words. The comfort of the melody, the simplicity and minimalism, it inspires deeper thought. It allows the reader to ponder certain issues, looking closer into why things are the way they are. It may even prompt them to question who they are, and how they think.

When writing poetry, I seem to always revert back to expressing the same frustrations. Humans are causing the sixth mass extinction. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution we have lived as if we are superior to and separate from nature. We drain the earth of its finite, natural resources and interrupt natural, self-replenishing cycles to create non-biodegradable waste. This waste is then buried underground, incinerated, or ends up in our oceans and in the stomachs of marine animals.

We have created a world where humans show their social status through consumption. You are what you eat, you are what you buy, you are how much money you earn. This western worldview acts as though there are not limits to growth and that each individual should have the right to maximum personal economic gain… but in a warming planet, this does not make sense.

This collection of poetry is my way of expressing my sadness at the lack of action on environmental conservation and Climate Change.