Poem: "The World's Widows"

[ysabetwordsmith]

This poem was inspired by prompts from minor_architect and ellenmillion. It was sponsored by minor_architect. It deals with the issue of environmental migrants.

The World’s WidowsHow do you say farewell

Comments

[minor_architect]

There is no word for widows such as we.
Can you kiss the dried lips of the Earth?
Can the empty arms of the river embrace you?
There is no beloved body to bury here.
There is not even a coffin,
for the trees, too, are gone.

I was drawn to this verse the most; the descriptions are very stark, but I like them. Good job! :)

Thank you

[ysabetwordsmith]

I'm glad that this poem works for you. It's a very edgy piece.

Our discussions are largely bounded by the vocabulary that languages provides. It's difficult to talk about some things for lack of words. Sometimes I coin words for the purpose, but in poetry, often it's more effective to stand there and point at the gaping hole. So many people today have lost a connection to the land, they forget how important it is to others. I brought in the "widow" idea and pointed out the missing synonym because it would give people an emotional situation they could relate to more effectively.

[minor_architect]

I'm glad that this poem works for you. It's a very edgy piece.

It is edgy - but I developed a taste for such when I read my first collection of Ellison's short stories, way back when. >;)

It's difficult to talk about some things for lack of words.

Even more difficult in this case, perhaps, because we're discussing a topic that's fairly new to our generation? (I know I'd never heard of "environmental migrants" before yesterday!)

Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

>>It is edgy - but I developed a taste for such when I read my first collection of Ellison's short stories, way back when.<<

I have a taste for edgy stuff too, though I have my limits. Also, my partner Doug is a serious fan of Harlan Ellison.

>> Even more difficult in this case, perhaps, because we're discussing a topic that's fairly new to our generation? (I know I'd never heard of "environmental migrants" before yesterday!) <<

Yes, that's true. And yay, I achieved my goal of raising awareness! "Environmental migrants" are people forced out of their homes by chronic climate change issues (drought, rising sea level, etc.) while "environmental refugees" or "envirogees" are people forced out by acute climate change issues (hurricanes, flash floods, wildfires, etc.).

I have previously written about this issue in Gaiatribe:http://gaiatribe.geekuniversalis.com/2009/02/24/three-questions- ( ... )

[browngirl]

There really are.

*sighs* This is beautiful as ever. Well done.

Thuoghts

[ysabetwordsmith]

Thank you. This seemed like a good opportunity to raise awareness about an issue that hasn't yet gathered a lot of attention, but is growing rapidly.