Lament for life.
For how much longer will the blackbird sing?
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?
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
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions




Comments (16)
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.
This is excellent. I appreciate that you made it rhyme.
Excellent ✅… I loved the rhyme alongside the weighty issue.
I agree with every line.
Truer words...never spoken. Lesson for all.
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.
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 😍
Nailed it!!!❤️❤️💕
Congrats on the TS.
Powerful thoughts in here - the topic of climate change and the polor bears always makes me emotional =') Congrats on Top Story! <3
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!
Top job Joe (sorry if that sounded too teachery 😅). Wonderful words and message! 👍 😀
"WE can be environmental stewards; WE can shape the world WE hope to see." Well Done.
This is excellent. I have tears. Well done.
Incredibly moving! Great work!
Oh, Joe. This was powerful indeed. Invective, topical, philosophical. I loved it because it moved me.