Environment

It fleas with its foes,

The gasping light it launches,

Within the shimmering heat, it leaves,

The lasting trail it freezes,

Below the ones above,

It seeks the one in the cove,

Shoots its web sprinkling with drizzle,

The circle spiral evacuation,

The environment accepts its mark,

On those gills or those with frills,

It was meant to be seen,

Colossal fossils it heeds,

From the ground, it rises,

Spiral green bud,

It steals the wind for its please,

I share with it as I breathe.

By Sarah Shahzad, March 2023

About the Poem “Environment”

In this poem, the subject is described as a creature that is able to evade its enemies. However, in doing so, it releases a toxic gas into the environment. This gas is so potent that it leaves a lasting trail that freezes in its wake.

Environmental Prospective

From an environmental perspective, this poem could be interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pollution. The creature in the poem could represent humans or industries that engage in activities that harm the environment, such as emitting toxic gases into the atmosphere. These activities may allow humans or industries to gain an advantage in the short-term, but in the long run, they will have a negative impact on the environment, leaving behind a lasting trail of damage that cannot be easily reversed.

The phrase “gasping light” could also refer to the negative effects of pollution on the health of living creatures. When we breathe in polluted air, it can cause respiratory problems and make it difficult for us to breathe, leading to a “gasping” sensation.

Celebration of Nature

The last stanza can be interpreted as a celebration of nature, specifically the growth and beauty of a plant. The opening line, “From the ground, it rises,” suggests that the plant is growing from the earth, reaching upwards towards the sky. The “spiral green bud” further emphasizes the natural and organic quality of the plant’s growth.

The second line, “It steals the wind for its pleasure,” suggests that the plant is in tune with the natural elements around it. It is using the wind to grow and thrive, but in doing so, it is also contributing to the ecosystem by providing oxygen through photosynthesis.

The final line, “I share with it as I breathe,” is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things. As humans, we share the air with plants and other living organisms. Our breath is sustained by the oxygen produced by plants, and in turn, our exhalations provide carbon dioxide that plants need to grow.

Conclusion

Overall, this poem is a warning about the long-term environmental impact of activities that may provide short-term gains. It highlights the importance of considering the consequences of our actions on the environment and taking steps to mitigate any harmful effects.  Whereas this poem also celebrates the beauty and power of nature and reminds us of our connection to the natural world. It highlights the importance of living in harmony with the environment and recognizing the vital role that plants and other living things play in sustaining life on Earth.