Summary

In a whimsical and poignant narrative, a young child named Carlo embarks on an imaginative adventure with his older sister, who is deeply concerned about climate change, through the streets of a make-believe New York City, symbolizing the urgency of addressing environmental issues.

Abstract

The story unfolds with Carlo, aged five, being led by his assertive older sister, who is determined to "take NEW YORK" despite the fact that they are actually in New Zealand. The sister, who appears to be well-informed about climate change, challenges Carlo to think about the legacy they will leave in a world that's "burning up." Their playful yet profound exchange is punctuated by the sister's colorful language and her frustration with the perceived inaction of adults regarding the climate crisis. When approached by a police officer, the sister boldly questions his authority and the lack of action by older generations to combat climate change. The narrative concludes with the siblings escaping into the bustling, albeit imaginary, streets of New York City, symbolizing a call to action and the innocence of children who understand the gravity of the situation.

Opinions

The older sister expresses a sense of urgency and frustration with the lack of action on climate change, implying that adults are failing to address the crisis adequately.
She criticizes the police officer for being part of the problem, symbolizing a broader critique of societal institutions that are complicit in environmental degradation.
The sister's use of adult language and concepts reflects a loss of innocence, as children are forced to confront issues that are typically the domain of adults.
The narrative suggests that children are inheriting a world in crisis and are acutely aware of the legacy they stand to inherit, which includes environmental devastation.
The story implies that the younger generation may be more prepared to tackle the issues of climate change than the current adults in power.

Improvising Through The Apocalypse

When all the adults have left the room

You were five and I was three.

I could tell by the way you charged in front of me that you had your big girl pants on.

Let’s take NEW YORK!

Let’s take what?

NEW YORK, CARLO!

But we’re in New Zealand.

Don’t be such a baby!

It’s true. I was 3 going on 4. It was time to face up to challenges.

The world’s burning up and we don’t have a lot of time to live.

She sounded like she knew what she was talking about.

We’ll all be dead soon. What will you tell everyone you achieved — that you fumbled around in your kid pants attempting to take New Zealand?

I had no comeback.

HURRY UP!

Why will we be dead?

Because of fucking climate change, genius!

Dad said not to swear.

Mom swears and she’s the one who wears the fucking pants!

She got me there.

Get your fucking thumb out of your mouth, Carlo, and let’s paint this city red!

City? Red?

NEW YORK!

Oh.

How did I get stuck with you?

That’s the million-dollar question.

WHAT?

Nevermind.

A police officer came up to us.

Are you lost, little girl?

Are YOU fucking lost, Officer? I’ll bet you still drive around your gas guzzler patrolling the streets like it’s 1950! See any irony?

That’s no way to talk to your…

My what? My wise elder who couldn’t be bothered to lift a fucking pinky finger to slow down the Big Melt?

Where are your Mom and Dad?

I’ve been asking that question since the day I was born. Where are all the adults in the room? WHERE THE HELL ARE THEY?

You’ve got a mouth on you, young lady. Now come with me.

Let me see your badge first. You look like a predator.

As the officer fumbled in his pocket for his badge, my big sis took my hand and bolted through crowded, imaginary New York City.

_______________________

Thanks for reading, and thank you to Jason Provencio for providing this space. For more happy trysts into the unknown, try these two👇

Improvising Through The Apocalypse

When all the adults have left the room

Bi-Polar Futures

Anti-prophecy

Flammable Ingredients

Poem on climate immolation