Summary

The poem "Earthless" by Jenny Justice paints a grim picture of the impending climate crisis, forecasting a dire state of the world by 2047 if immediate action is not taken.

Abstract

"Earthless" is a poignant poem that reflects on the imminent consequences of climate change, with scientists predicting a critical point by 2047 where the planet may become uninhabitable. The poem conveys a sense of urgency, emphasizing that humanity is rapidly approaching a point of no return, with environmental degradation leading to a loss of biodiversity, extreme weather conditions, and a world where basic survival becomes a challenge. The author juxtaposes the mundanity of daily life against the backdrop of environmental collapse, highlighting society's complacency and failure to heed scientific warnings. The poem also touches on the emotional impact of climate change, with the author expressing a longing for the natural world that is slipping away, and a sense of resignation as we edge closer to an irreversible ecological disaster.

Opinions

The author believes that humanity is not taking the necessary steps to prevent climate catastrophe, despite scientific warnings.
There is a palpable sense of frustration and disbelief at society's inaction and business-as-usual attitude in the face of impending ecological disaster.
The poem suggests that we are on a path to self-destruction, with our actions directly contributing to the degradation of the planet.
The author expresses a deep yearning for the natural world, bemoaning the loss of trees, bees, and the changing climate that no longer brings expected weather patterns.
There is a sense of inevitability and fatalism about the future, with the author contemplating the fate of those who will live through the predicted 2047 crisis.
The poem criticizes the lack of urgency and the illusion that a last-minute heroic effort will save us from the consequences of our actions.

Earthless

A Poem

Scientists confirm By 2047 we will be in it

Unable to breathe Unable to relax

Migrant and moving Nomadic

In survival mode We really should be prepping

We really should be caring The day today was like any other

No changes no big steps no big moves Business goes on cars go on things remain

Pollution machines and trees keep disappearing To fire or saw

We are doing it all wrong and it is about To do us all in

I think of the babies who will be 47 in 2047 I think of the babies who might be babies in 2047

It is not a pretty thought it is not a hope It is just like staring at one of those magic eye pictures

It can’t be possible it cannot be But it is and it is and it is and scientists

Tried to warn us and here we are as we usually are Staring it down like come and get us like we can somehow

Dodge the end of the earth at the last minute Like there will be a hero

We do what we do and we are waiting to see how Bad it can all get I suppose

The report said we would all be in masks We would not be able to leave our homes

The report said it would be 140 degrees in some places That food would be rare as places that used to grow food

Disappear to water or cracked dry earth Ruined by us ruining us it does seem a bit fair

In the end We had time, we spent it

By 2047 which I know maybe we Still are not used to seeing the 20

But it is not as far away as we think It is 27 years away, not 100 not 50

Outside it might rain and I am happy My husband likes the sun and the hot and I try to

Support him but it feels like Liking our executioner like easing in to our demise

I want snow, I want snow so badly I could Cry and yet it is February and it is 60 degrees and

The arctic is melting and will soon be farmable, scientists say So I guess we should start heading that way

Earthless; longing for Honey and bees

Breathing and trees.

Jenny Justice, Poet. Author of Love in the Time of Climate Change and Reveal. You can read more of her poetry at Justice Poetic. Sign up for her newsletter here.

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