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Climate Emergency!

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It’s been the hottest ever year;

The one point five is broken.

But in society round here,

These words are never spoken.

 

There’s still time for a reset,

Through measures tough or token;

The greenhouse levels climb, and yet,

These words are never spoken.

 

The glaciers will melt away,

And fires taunt the ocean,

But in the workplace or at play,

These words are never spoken.

 

Though chances are we won’t outlive

The worst of this commotion,

There’s one thing youth will not forgive:

These words were never spoken.

Climate changeglobal heating

◄ Le Grisou

2028 ►

Comments

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Stephen Gospage

Tue 21st Jan 2025 08:28

Thank you. Merci. Bedankt.

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Auracle

Sun 19th Jan 2025 18:55

Mais je t'aime. But I love you. Maar ik hou van jou.

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Stephen Gospage

Sun 19th Jan 2025 16:21

Thank you, John, and thanks once again to everyone who liked this.

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John Coopey

Fri 17th Jan 2025 09:17

“It will get cooler” - Trump’s considered response to the scientific case.
I don’t know where it will end but you’re right - we shan’t see it but our grandchildren might.

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Stephen Gospage

Thu 16th Jan 2025 07:01

Thank you for your kind comments and suggestions, Graham, Flyntland, Uilleam and Rolph, and to everyone who liked this poem.
We now see a subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) pushback against climate change measures, but of course the problems remain and get worse every year. It is depressing to see denial of reality, particularly since the technology which exists to solve many of our problems (electric vehicles, wind turbines) has become hi-jacked by culture wars.

Thanks once again.

Rolph David

Tue 14th Jan 2025 19:32

Stephen,
What another great poem from your quill!
It really captures the stark reality of the climate emergency. The repetition of "these words are never spoken" highlights the denial and silence that surround such an urgent issue. The way you've illustrated the gradual but unstoppable changes—like the glaciers melting and the rising temperatures—is powerful, and the poem paints a haunting picture of how little action is being taken.
One suggestion I’d like to offer is to tweak the line "The glaciers may melt away" to "The glaciers will melt away." The certainty of "will" feels stronger and more aligned with the unavoidable consequences we face if action isn’t taken soon. It could add a sense of urgency that matches the tone of the poem.
Overall, it's a thought-provoking piece that serves as a much-needed reminder of what’s at stake. Great work!

Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Tue 14th Jan 2025 14:57

By the way, if anyone wants the recipe, the sandwich consists of three separate dollar bills – that’s if you’re lucky!😊

Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Tue 14th Jan 2025 11:10

Thank you Stephen; never mind;...some of us aren't stupid.
I had foresight enough to save up so I could pay for my own firefighters, my own healthcare, my own transport, my own food, AND my own water, ....oh damn....fancy a dollar bill sandwich anyone? Socialism...who needs it eh!😡

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Flyntland

Tue 14th Jan 2025 09:11

Well said Stephen - who can possibly disagree with you?

Our excesses are killing us—every single one of us is responsible in some way. We must stop self-indulging in multiple unrestricted foreign trips, eating exotic foods we do not need, and consuming more meat than we need.
But the problem is more complex than that, each country has its unique problems and an unwillingness to upset voters.
This unwillingness can be understood if moderate governments are voted out by climate deniers, such as Trump, the world will be in even greater peril.

Where will this all end? obviously in tears

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Graham Sherwood

Tue 14th Jan 2025 08:49

Nature’s way of reminding us who is in charge Stephen! I’ve just returned from a lovely part of Britain but there were too many of us in some places all trying to enjoy the view. We’re all guilty of destruction to some degree. Well done for the reminder 👍

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