avatarJenny Justice

Summary

"The Spirituality of Extinction" is a contemplative poem by Jenny Justice that reflects on the future creation of stories about the end of various species due to human-induced environmental crises.

Abstract

The poem "The Spirituality of Extinction" by Jenny Justice delves into the poignant theme of humanity's impact on the natural world, envisioning a future where new narratives will emerge to explain the loss of biodiversity. These stories will stand alongside traditional creation myths, detailing the decline of bees, frogs, polar bears, and other species. The poem foresees a time when tales of corporate greed and government complicity will be told with reverence, as communities honor their attempts to preserve the environment or mourn their failures to appreciate it. Justice, a mother, sociology instructor, and writer, has been recognized for her contributions to discussions on parenting, racism, education, poetry, and climate change.

Opinions

  • The author anticipates that future generations will share "extinction stories" as part of their cultural heritage, similar to creation stories.
  • There is an implied critique of "corporate greed" and "government compliance" as contributing factors to environmental degradation and species extinction.
  • The poem suggests a reverence for the natural world, emphasizing the importance of the species and ecosystems we are at risk of losing.
  • It highlights the ritualistic aspect of storytelling, whether to honor victories in environmental conservation or to mourn the losses.
  • The author's perspective is one of urgency and reflection, urging readers to consider the long-term impact of current actions on the planet's future.

The Spirituality of Extinction

A poem about the near future

Photo by NASA on Unsplash

We have creation stories We read, we cherish, we pass down, we share

Stories of how we came to be Stories of how the earth took shape Stories of myths and legends, ritual and tradition

Of those people, places, and events who created our group, our land, our religion

And soon, we will have to create, we will have to talk story, we will have to pass down Extinction stories

The new tales we will tell to whoever is left One day

Of how we came to an end, an almost end, a near end, an ongoing ending

Of how we lost bees, frogs, polar bears, ants Myths and legends of those who tried to go up against the giants of Corporate greed and government compliance with it

Rituals and traditions honoring what we managed to save or mourning all of that which we failed to appreciate

Jenny Justice is a mom, Sociology instructor, and writer. You can follow her on Medium and at Jenny Justice, Writer She has been recognized as a Top Writer on Medium in the areas of Parenting, Reading, Racism, Education, Poetry, and Climate Change, so far.

Climate Change
Poetry
Spirituality
Poetry On Medium
Global Warming
Recommended from ReadMedium