Poets logo

Swimming Against the Tide

An aquatic villanelle poem

By Alison McBainPublished 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago 1 min read
Runner-Up in Villanelle Challenge
Swimming Against the Tide
Photo by Silas Baisch on Unsplash

We cannot save the sea—

but perhaps oceans might start to heal

without humanity.

*

Pollution spreads dreadfully,

ice caps melt daily. Often, I feel

we cannot save the sea

*

until consensus. We see

global recovery as piecemeal

without humanity

*

taking responsibility

for our past carnage. It seems surreal

we cannot save the sea.

*

Folks mouth slogans ’bout being free

although it’s a political spiel,

without humanity

*

caring about what we

lose in this backroom deal.

We cannot save the sea

without humanity.

social commentary

About the Creator

Alison McBain

Alison McBain writes fiction & poetry, edits & reviews books, and pens a webcomic called “Toddler Times.” In her free time, she drinks gallons of coffee & pretends to be a pool shark at her local pub. More: http://www.alisonmcbain.com/

Reader insights

Nice work

Very well written. Keep up the good work!

Top insight

  1. Heartfelt and relatable

    The story invoked strong personal emotions

Add your insights

Comments (13)

Sign in to comment
  • Sarah Loyd2 years ago

    Great poem about saving our planet. Love it 😍

  • Lamar Wiggins2 years ago

    Congratulations on placing! Love the eye-opening message here! Thank you!

  • Congratulations on placing!

  • Dana Crandell2 years ago

    Refreshingly different in its style and speaks a powerful message! Well done, and congratulations on placing!

  • D.K. Shepard2 years ago

    Congrats! A deserving topic for a powerful poem.

  • Paul Stewart2 years ago

    Back to say well done on placing, Alison!

  • rose amy2 years ago

    Amazing

  • Test2 years ago

    Outstanding! Keep striving for greatness—congratulations!❤️❤️

  • k eleanor2 years ago

    This is so well done. Congratulations on top!❤

  • Paul Stewart2 years ago

    This was stunning, Alison. Seriously well done. The lines are so tight and succinct and because of that the message is so impactful. Loved this and worried now lol...this is a great entry. Well done on Top Story too!

  • Manisha Dhalani2 years ago

    We need the sea just like it needs us, I suppose. Circle of life. Lovely poem.

  • B2 years ago

    It is sad how terribly the world is treated, and there are so many who don't see or care or want to hear about it. Thank you for advocating.

Find us on social media

Miscellaneous links

  • Explore
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Support

© 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.