Save Our Ship

by Grace Copps

my planet is dying

you choke on the toxic air

if you try to take a breath

some parts burning up

smoke carrying the ghosts of what was

these places are too hot

the ground crying out for a drink

animals disappear every day

whole species gone without a trace

entire forests cut down to their knees

as opposed to the seas,

rising to their feet,

hungry and ready to swallow us all whole

the people cry out

wanting to do something, anything

all for the sake of saving their home

but the powers that be

turn a blind eye and deaf ear

watching their pockets grow

as the antarctic ice shrinks

we dream of another planet

somewhere safe and warm

(but not too warm)

with clean air to breathe

and with clean water to drink

but we already have a planet

this one

and we alone can be its heroes