What are we doing?

Royston 1946 (Reading)



Oh, foolish humanity what have you done!
You're killing off my offspring one by one,
and then complain when my virus kills you.
Why should you not be done by as you do?

You've stripped my forests. mined my treasures,
squandered my resources on selfish pleasures..
You've raped my virgin soils in your wanton lust
dug deep for precious metals in my thin crust.

My precious flora and fauna you did not spare
they're my family but you did not care.
My children that no longer roam sea and shore,
my plants that once bloomed but will bloom no more.

Think again of how you're exploiting me
and turn from your ravenous gluttony.
For if you continue doing the things you do
then my pastures will be a grave for you.

Take advantage of this warning today,
for other viruses may come your way.
Don't use your skills to create toxic waste
but use your science to make a better place.

Think again imprudent Humankind
of what you are doing and change your mind,
for this little bit of cosmic dust circling space
is all that is available for the human race.

Earth's global warming will gather pace
spelling disaster for the humanoid race.
With torrential storms and hurricanes
I will swamp your towns filling my flood plains.
 
You've had your chance as my custodians
and through your science and inventions
you've muffed it all, and left it far too late
and your selfish ways have sealed your fate.

Shall my soil serve as the burial place
for the last offspring of the human race?
Or will you rise to the challenge I am giving
to heal my wounds and continue living?

Now puny Humanity, hearken to me
for I will tell you how it's going to be
It's time for me to defend what is mine
to unleash my arsenal upon humankind.
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Submitted by royston on August 01, 2021

Modified on March 05, 2023

1:37 min read
16

Quick analysis:

Scheme AABB CCDD EEFF GGBB HHXI JJII IIKK LLMM IINN GGXJ
Closest metre Iambic pentameter
Characters 1,664
Words 313
Stanzas 10
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

Royston

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    "What are we doing?" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/106185/what-are-we-doing?>.

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