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Lament for life.

For how much longer will the blackbird sing?

By Joe O’ConnorPublished about a year ago Updated about a year ago 1 min read
Top Story - September 2024
Lament for life.
Photo by Nick van den Berg on Unsplash

She's still talking, her mouth is moving, but it's all become meaningless to me,

The world is paused, through welling tears - I want to believe it's conspiracy.

Is it my ears that aren't working, or my brain and heart that refuse to listen?

"Hotter temperatures will hurt the vulnerable, and those with existing health conditions."

Videos of woodlands slashed with crimson- warriors choked by smoky grief,

Plastic waves lap higher up the shore, above a now ghostly coral reef.

I’m sitting here suffocating, while boardroom deals are inked in gold,

Do those suits see themselves as monsters relinquishing children’s chances to grow old?

Polar bears clinging onto icebergs unaware their destiny is in a zoo,

Will this be yet another movement constantly dismissed, just like #MeToo?

This feels daunting, this is urgent, she’s encouraging marches in the streets,

While the guy sat here beside me buys fast fashion, “’cause it’s cheap!

Attention’s gone – she’s lost the room; I’m witnessing the first of many drownings.

Death by flood of jargon. Around me, the switch to doom scrolling is astounding.

It's hopeless.

It's hopeless. It's hopeless.

It's hopeless. My mind is screaming, wretched.

When did a world that's liveable just become lip service to get elected?

Out the window, Earth's rhythmic rain seeks to quell everything chaotic,

But even threats of acid showers fail to make us globally patriotic.

We’ve come along to hear this talk, pretending the next sentence will give us purpose,

But without big corporate buy-in, we know deep down our efforts will be worthless.

Today's message is simple: If we forsake the Earth for short-term pleasure,

Our dreams may as well lie crumpled in the pile of yesterday’s nice weather.

"WE can be environmental stewards; WE can shape the world WE hope to see."

So why is it that I somehow feel saving the world comes down to me?

nature poetrysocial commentaryStream of Consciousness

About the Creator

Joe O’Connor

New Zealander

English teacher

Short stories and poems📚

Please be honest- I would love your constructive feedback, as it's the only way I'll get better. Would rather it was pointed out so I can improve!

Currently writing James The Wonderer

Reader insights

Outstanding

Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

Top insights

  1. Eye opening

    Niche topic & fresh perspectives

  2. Excellent storytelling

    Original narrative & well developed characters

  3. On-point and relevant

    Writing reflected the title & theme

  1. Easy to read and follow

    Well-structured & engaging content

  2. Expert insights and opinions

    Arguments were carefully researched and presented

  3. Compelling and original writing

    Creative use of language & vocab

  4. Heartfelt and relatable

    The story invoked strong personal emotions

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Comments (16)

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  • L.C. Schäferabout a year ago

    It does feel personal doesn't it? The big corporations keep poisoning the planet, but I feel guilty about a plastic straw, or not rinsing an empty tin. Mental.

  • Testabout a year ago

    This is excellent. I appreciate that you made it rhyme.

  • Excellent ✅… I loved the rhyme alongside the weighty issue.

  • Pamela Williamsabout a year ago

    I agree with every line.

  • Antoni De'Leonabout a year ago

    Truer words...never spoken. Lesson for all.

  • Lamar Wigginsabout a year ago

    Oof! That was sobering. So many great lines equal a poignant plea for help. But it’s the last line that really hits. Change starts with me, us, them, you. This is such an important stream. Thank you.

  • Teresa Rentonabout a year ago

    As always, love your rhythm and how your poem builds like a crescendo then everything disappears, and centre stage is ‘me’. I really hope the ‘suits’ open their eyes 😍

  • Babs Iversonabout a year ago

    Nailed it!!!❤️❤️💕

  • Cathy holmesabout a year ago

    Congrats on the TS.

  • Gina C.about a year ago

    Powerful thoughts in here - the topic of climate change and the polor bears always makes me emotional =') Congrats on Top Story! <3

  • D.K. Shepardabout a year ago

    Wow! Really powerful piece, Joe! The flashes of imagery were so striking. If only society didn’t normalize instant gratification! Great call to action and inspiring closing line!

  • Grz Colmabout a year ago

    Top job Joe (sorry if that sounded too teachery 😅). Wonderful words and message! 👍 😀

  • Olufemi Afolabiabout a year ago

    "WE can be environmental stewards; WE can shape the world WE hope to see." Well Done.

  • Cathy holmesabout a year ago

    This is excellent. I have tears. Well done.

  • BrettNotGregabout a year ago

    Incredibly moving! Great work!

  • Rachel Deemingabout a year ago

    Oh, Joe. This was powerful indeed. Invective, topical, philosophical. I loved it because it moved me.

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