Today I Thought About Climate Change

Today I Thought About Climate Change

How the world is heating up,

like crabs we wait painfully,

slowly boiling to our deaths.

I’ve reduced my meat

and dairy intake,

I recycle everything I can,

I try to shop seasonally

and be mindful of my waste.

I turn off plug sockets, taps, and lights,

I only travel out of necessity,

I spread the word and shop sustainably but I

just ordered something

off Amazon;

I had a steak last week;

I don’t donate to charity;

I scroll past articles

on how the world is falling apart;

I take road trips in a petrol car;

last night I threw

some oranges away

I let them mould in the bowl;

I should have eaten them

but instead I close my eyes,

try to shut it out but

the guilt lingers.

It consumes me like

a maggot

inside

a fallen peach.

I’m unable to stop it,

it makes me feel sick

and the pain in my stomach travels

to my head and I cry inside,

praying I’m not the only one.

I’m scared to grow up even more,

to watch this get worse,

I don’t want to miss the sound

of bird song,

the smell of pollen,

spring in the air,

the crisp dew dropping off

the long meadow grass.

I take my breaths slow and deep,

indulging while I have the chance.

Hoping for the best always

preparing for the worst.