This Promised Land by Jennie Hart

Chestnut Coppice stands on River Severn’s banks

Where once was ancient woodland,

But now Scots pines are standing tall in ranks

Like soldiers, marking rows that once were planted,

While mingled in, Castanea grows tall and lean

Crowding out the conifers they are squeezed between

 

Climate cares recede in this precious space,

No fear of burning woodlands or frightened creatures dying,

It is easy to forget just what is taking place

In continents we see on daily news or read about.

Trees soak up carbon as our atmosphere heats

But loggers wreck the forests that were once a safe retreat

 

Why don’t we nurture this unique planet?

Rare among millions in the universe.

We should care for water, soil, and all that’s in it,

Californian redwoods, polar bears and pangolins,

We must treasure them, they’re disappearing fast

That Golden eagle’s nest may tomorrow be its last.

 

Young people dread their future, see heads buried in the sand

But Greta Thunberg saw the warning signs,

She didn’t trust the keepers of this promised land.

Who have grown complacent. Why should she?

Kids fear the virus, the fading of their chances

A loss of work and education that life-enhances

 

Out of school for weeks then months, no chance to socialise

Except on social media, false friend but trusty ally

To those alone in bedrooms with school work but no play

Just Facebook, Tiktok, WhatsApp, it’s the same day after day

They are crying out, they want their say.

The young; they understand there is a better way