Poems About Environmental Justice
Table of Contents
The Scream of Trees
Axes swing with ruthless force,
Echoes through the silent wood.
Once was lush, a thriving source,
Now just shadows, where life stood.
Leaves that whispered tales of old,
Fall to ground, a muted cry.
Trunks once mighty, strong and bold,
Now beneath the open sky.
Streams run dry where forests weep,
Echoing the trees' lament.
Guardians of the earth, they sleep,
Their screams for justice, ever sent.
![A gentle koala is on a tree](https://literaturevaults.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/The-endangered-species-Koala-is-losing-habitats-due-to-deforestation.jpg)
Meaning
“The Scream of Trees” highlights the devastating impact of deforestation on our forests. The poem conveys the sense of loss and the urgent need for environmental justice as the once-thriving forests are reduced to silent shadows.
Inspiration Behind
I was inspired by the relentless deforestation happening around the world. I wanted to give a voice to the trees, to express their silent suffering and the urgent need for action. I used short, impactful lines to capture the urgency and gravity of the situation.
Sacred Lands Desecrated
Ancient grounds, where spirits dwell,
Sacred lands, a timeless spell.
Tread with care, the earth we break,
Hear the cries, for justice's sake.
Forests fall, the rivers bleed,
Lands once free, now chained by greed.
Guardians rise, their voices strong,
Fighting where they still belong.
Mountains high, the valleys deep,
Echoes of a past we keep.
Stand with them, protect the space,
Honor those who gave it grace.
![Guardians' Stand](https://literaturevaults.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Guardians-Stand.jpg)
Meaning
“Sacred Lands Desecrated” captures the ongoing struggle to protect indigenous territories from exploitation and destruction. The poem underscores the significance of these lands and the fight to preserve their sanctity.
Inspiration Behind
I was moved by the resilience of indigenous communities fighting to protect their sacred lands. Their connection to the earth and determination to defend it inspired me to write this poem. The short lines convey urgency and strength.
Plastic Oceans
A fish in the sea swam free,
Till plastic waste changed its spree.
The waters once clear,
Now murky with fear,
A plea from the ocean to thee.
Turtles with shells full of strife,
Caught up in the debris of life.
Bags and bottles entangle,
Their movements they mangle,
Choking out natural life.
Dolphins, they swim through the mess,
Seeking a world that's not less.
We must clean the tide,
And stand by their side,
To relieve the seas of distress.
![Ocean's Cry](https://literaturevaults.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Oceans-Cry.jpg)
Meaning
“Plastic Oceans” highlights the catastrophic impact of plastic waste on marine life. The poem captures the urgency of addressing pollution to save the creatures that inhabit our oceans.
Inspiration Behind
I was inspired by the growing issue of plastic pollution in our oceans. Seeing images of marine life struggling with plastic waste moved me to write this poem. The limerick structure adds a sense of rhythm while conveying a serious message.
Rising Waters
Coasts erode, tides rise high,
Storms approach, with darkened sky.
Homes are lost, we ask why.
Waves crash hard, walls give way,
Towns submerged, night and day.
Nature's force, comes to stay.
Floods advance, land consumed,
Fields are drowned, crops entombed.
Hope feels faint, lives are doomed.
Winds howl fierce, waters climb,
Destruction seen, time to time.
Warning signs, hear the chime.
Stand with care, fight the plight,
Guard our shores, day and night.
Rising seas, no respite.
![Coastal Struggle](https://literaturevaults.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Coastal-Struggle.jpg)
Meaning
“Rising Waters” illustrates the perilous effects of sea-level rise and severe ocean storms on coastal areas. The poem stresses the urgent need for action to protect communities and natural habitats from these escalating threats.
Inspiration Behind
I was inspired by the increasing reports of coastal areas facing devastation due to rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The resilience of affected communities motivated me to highlight their struggle and the need for environmental justice through this poem.
Crying Coral Reefs
Corals once bright, now turned pale,
Life in the deep, starts to fail.
Oceans grow warm,
Reefs face the storm,
Echoes of life, a sad tale.
Fish lose their home, colors fade,
Bleached by the heat, they've decayed.
Nature’s great plea,
Save them, set free,
Before all their beauty's betrayed.
![Bleached Beauty](https://literaturevaults.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Bleached-Beauty.jpg)
Meaning
“Crying Coral Reefs” addresses the devastating impact of climate change on coral ecosystems. The poem reflects the urgent need to protect these vital underwater habitats from further destruction.
Inspiration Behind
I was inspired by the alarming rate at which coral reefs are dying due to rising ocean temperatures. Witnessing the beauty of coral reefs and understanding their importance motivated me to write this poem, hoping to raise awareness and drive action.
End Words
These Poems About Environmental Justice collectively highlight the urgent need to address environmental issues affecting our planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems and communities. Each poem emphasizes the importance of environmental justice and the necessity of collective action to protect our natural world from further harm.