before you
For the Vocal Challenge: Poemosaurus Rex
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/jerrick/image/upload/d_642250b563292b35f27461a7.png,f_jpg,fl_progressive,q_auto,w_1024/66558733f19747001dcae85f.jpg)
We were here before you
We walked these lands underneath your feet
Back when we still had to hunt
Not this shopping thing you do now
We used to walk and creep
Kill our prey the way it should be, natural
Not this...
The farming of animals
Cut up by machines
Eating is a hobby now
A profession
Rather than a blessing
It's enjoyed, a pleasure
Not an activity of survival...
Credit, not given.
We were here before you
You find us buried under the ground
Under your playgrounds and trailers
You examine our bones
But you can hardly care
You give us new names but
They're not really ours
They're just what you assign us.
We were here before you
But you don't give us credit
This land was ours first
And just because you can't see us
Or you choose not to
Doesn't mean we're not here.
We were here before you
Dinosaurs, really
A creature dehumanized
A sentient being who had to die
In order for you to be here
But why
Why did we have to die?
And why are you still trying to kill us?
Leave us behind.
We were here before you.
And we're still here.
We're not leaving.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/jerrick/image/upload/d_642250b563292b35f27461a7.png,f_jpg,q_auto,w_720/665586e8cf82e0001da3c8ee.png)
I am not sure if this will qualify, but this is a submission to the Vocal Challenge "Poemosaurus Rex" which you can find more information about here:
Edit: In the case that it is not quite clear, this is meant to be a testimony to not only the original inhabitants of the world, but also the original inhabitants of Turtle Island. I strived to create something that could work on multiple levels, and I might create another piece later on that better represents the two angles.
Thank you so much for reading!
About the Creator
Belle
I host unofficial challenges and enjoy writing microfiction and poetry.
ALL EYES ON RAFAH. 35k+ murdered in Palestine. 80k+ injured. 25k orphaned. ~10k missing/under rubble.
Top Stories:
2023 - SEPT
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Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insight
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Comments (6)
This is super cool! I love the repetition of "We were here before you". It slowly emphasizes the depth of the poem's theme.
Poignant insights on not only the past of dinosaurs and prehistoric times but of human nature and how dinosaurs are seen now through the human lens. I especially liked the line about how dinosaurs were the species that “had” to go. Great work!
I always wonder what were their actual names though. We may never know. Loved your poem!
They said 'all types of poems are welcome'. You can express yourself freely and play with different forms unique to yourself. This was great, no reason to be doubtful. Plus you can write as many as you want.
Some great words and observations , they were here before us. Great challenge entry
The way you personified the dinosaurs and contrasted their primal existence with modern human life was both powerful and thought-provoking. Your exploration of themes like survival, change, and the loss of the natural world struck a chord with me. Thank you for sharing such a poignant and imaginative piece. Best regards, Dr. Jay