avatarAdam Deitsch

Summary

The website content is a poetic reflection on the resilience and resistance of nature, personifying the land as it reclaims its space from human development.

Abstract

The poem "Reclaiming Our Land" is a profound meditation on the theme of resistance, depicted through the eyes of nature as it contends with human encroachment. It describes a scenario where the land, represented as a living entity, endures poisoning, burial under concrete, and imprisonment, only to persistently gather strength and break free. The narrative emphasizes the futility of human attempts to suppress nature, as plants and vegetation inevitably tear down obstacles and outlast human-made structures. The poem concludes with the assertion that nature's story is eternal, and its capacity to resist ensures its enduring presence despite human interference. Additionally, the website invites readers to explore a related poem by Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她) titled "showing up," and lists other works by the author that delve into themes of multiverses, the passage of time, and eternity.

Opinions

  • The author expresses admiration for nature's ability to resist and overcome human attempts at domination.
  • There is a sense of awe and respect for the power of plants to endure and thrive, even in the face of adversity.
  • The poem suggests that nature's resilience is a form of salvation for life, contrasting it with the lifelessness of stone and human constructs.
  • The author implies that human-made structures, no matter how grand, are temporary compared to the permanence of nature.
  • The website encourages engagement with poetry as a means to explore and reflect on themes of resistance and the natural world.

Reclaiming Our Land

A Prompted Poem on Resistance

Photo by James Wheeler on Unsplash

ripped from our home, they move earth to get rid of us

we exist

they poison us, bury us under tons of concrete and metal

we resist

biding our time, we gather our resources

we persist

we break free of our prison, done with hiding

we desist

we attack from below, encasing our jailors by surprise

we are nature’s bliss

salvation for life, damnation for stone

we insist

in the grand scheme of it all, ours is the story that lasts

we resist

they may try, but we will always return

we exist

I’ve always loved looking at photos of nature reclaiming land. There’s something awesome about the ability of plants to resist and thrive. They can tear down walls with ease, given enough time. Nature is resistant to our attempts at dominating this world, and plant life and vegetation will far outlive the tallest, most magnificent structures we’ve ever tried to obstruct them with.

If you’d like to take up this poetry prompt on resistance, check out this poem by Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她):

If you’re interested in more poetry or shortform from the author, check out these pieces:

Poetry
Poetry Prompt
Nature
Resistance
Persistence
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