Like what have we done? and why did we change?
Oh, why don't we all long for the good olden days?
Everything's complicated-nothing's the same!
What has happened to the olden days?
But-surely-we cannot change this ever-growing haze.
Are we destined to live in constant regret
Of what we have done-of this course we have set?
Our once-beautiful oceans are now downright mucky.
Our "Pristine waters" are now dirty and yucky!
The Amazon's forests mowed down in a flash.
Our main oxygen source-gone with a SLASH!
Oh, how can we live with ourselves?
How can we-with all those trees felled?
How could we fail this task of tending-
And all the Earth needing so much mending?
But maybe redemption is just over the hill-
Maybe with teamwork-and tons more of it still. . . . . .
Maybe we can try to change-one at a time-
And stop this mess before saying goodbye.
If each of us considers our impact, then maybe,
Maybe we have a chance to change our own ways.
Only with teamwork can we slowly unwind
All the effects done by us, over time.
It's as simple as picking up a bit of trash on the beach-
Or planting a tree-or just helping to clean!
It's using less fuel-(less gas in the air)-
It's recycling every glass bottle or can!
It's organic-no pesticides on all our fruit trees!
It's planting some flowers for the pollinator bees!
It's stopping pollution-no oil in drains!
Please, people! Listen to what I am saying!
Stop all your business! -pause, take a breath!
There's more to your impact than what you just said!
Consider your actions-my friend or my foe-
When it comes to the world, we're teammates even though.
All differences aside, we must join each other!
We can't change the world if we're not together!
It's not a big commitment-no, no siree.
It's just watching out for the world-please trust me!
So band together here with me, my friends-
Everyone here, we must all join hands!
I believe we can change-I believe, I believe!
Please tell me, do YOU believe?
'Cause there's things you can do that alas, I cannot.
So if only, if only, TOGETHER we fought.
The world will end someday, but NOW, we can change it.
There's no time to waste-hurry now- we can do this!
--Elsie J., 6th-8th Grade