Editors' Note: Kristen sent us this poem she wrote for a class... it's an great look at the economic and cultural structure of our society. Just think: What can we do to fix the way our culture values resources?
Taking and Forsaking
Is it money for the making or resources for the taking?
Right now I am sure that the resources are worth more
But it is money they wish to be making.
The poor are left without a choice, they also lack a truly heard voice,
Unto them this business is forsaking.
The prices are high and the pesticides strong—there is something so wrong
For our economy is truly flaking.
The more that business takes—the fewer land, streams and lakes
And the future sees insufficient supplies for our baking.
Of this I am certain; we must draw down this power-surged curtain
For the health of our land is truly aching.
With our nation divided sustainers must stay united to defend this great land for its own
sake at hand
For the future is ours for remaking.
Despite property rights and gritty monetary fights
The land is not ours to keep staking.
With a broader horizon our country must wizen
To prevent this catastrophe from waking.
Preservation is vital so let us quit feeling entitled;
Living more simply is the true answer to our ecological breaking.
And so this is my ode to the start of a new economic code:
We have but one planet—now do you see what you’re taking?
By Kristen Kennedy
