Mother Earth

What shall we say to her?
What words might bring comfort,
offer explanations, excuses?
She will turn hot and dry,
she will turn dark and joyless,
then she will simply turn away.

We will be on our own
as she secludes her province further from us,
draws her own heartbeat closer to her chest,
wipes her wounds with the little remaining
sustenance we left on her floor -

where we dragged our feet,
where we spit to make mud,
where we abandoned broken leftovers
we no longer enjoyed.

She will not ask for any
explanations,
excuses,
no empty words.

She will simply turn away.
And that is the reason she shall survive.
And that is the reason we shall not.
***

About This Poem

Last Few Words: Jacques Cousteau tried to warn us. Carl Sagan tried to tell us. David Attenborough and Jane Goodall try to educate us. There is still hope and time.

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Country/Region: United States

Favorite Poets: I tend to read Ted Kooser, Jim Harrison, Billy Collins, Paul Simon, Robert Frost. I like minimalist poetry, and poems reflecting on nature and Mother Earth.

This user supports Neopoet so it can be free to all

Comments

Rosewood Apothecary

2 years 10 months ago

Yes!

Brilliant. We’re all thinking it. Those of us with conscience.

Love the whole thing,
Tim

Rosewood Apothecary

2 years 10 months ago

Yes!

Brilliant. We’re all thinking it. Those of us with conscience.

Love the whole thing,
Tim

Lavender

2 years 10 months ago

Hi, Tim,

Lots to think about, and a lot to do. Thank you for reading!
L

Geezer

2 years 10 months ago

Lots to think about and a real lot to do! We do still have time, but not much; it will take generations to bring Mother Earth back to where she was before we really screwed things up. It can be done; we just have to be willing to face the hardships that are required! Everyone must be willing to give up things that cause our world to be sullied. There can no longer be a few people that won't be bothered because they feel entitled. Nice job in making some of us see that! ~ Geez.
.

Lavender

2 years 10 months ago

Hi, Geezer,

You are right! It will take generations, but I am so encouraged and impressed with the intelligence and compassion so many of our young people have. There is much we can do individually, and every small act makes a difference.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
L

Jackweb

2 years 10 months ago

The metaphor of Mother earth!

Mother earth (or mother nature) is symbolic of the environment from which life thrives. It’s symbolic of nurture and growth and how the earth looks over us and provides life. It’s a feminist symbol and earth is more naturally referred to as her/she in alignment with mother.
.

Lavender

2 years 10 months ago

Hi, Jackweb!

Yes, it's interesting to refer to the Earth as "Mother", or "she/her." For me, it's soulful and spiritual. Hopefully we can reciprocate and take care of her as she has cared for us all this time.
Thank you for reading and lending your thoughtful comments!
L