Hope amidst environmental warnings: The Eleventh Hour Message

(A modified sestina using key words: awareness, generation, actions, survival, commitment, nature)

by Eric G. Stein  

The eleventh hour beckons and creeps into my awareness.

We’ve waited, and looming are the consequences of our careless actions.

Face book, sports, sex, and college competition preoccupy my generation.

We are oblivious to signs and how survival

of mankind and all God’s creatures depend upon courageous actions.

Warnings of climate apocalypse surround us, impacting all of nature.

 

Droughts, storms, tornadoes, hurricanes occur more now in nature.

Polar bears dying, coral reefs bleaching, mosquitoes increasing heighten our awareness.

Oceans swallowing islands, glaciers transformed to rivers call us to new actions.

Rising temperatures and sea levels inspire new commitment.

Now is the time to focus on survival.

The planet’s ecological web of life requires attention by our generation.

 

Our schools can lead and educate our generation.

Fluorescent light bulbs, recycling, turning lights off-- ways of being kind to nature.

Let’s be the leaders to fight for our survival.

We can preserve ecosystems through awareness

and take responsibility for global care-taking, making a strong commitment.

Saving energy, using efficient appliances- all beginning actions.

 

Individual effort leads to valuable actions.

Studying ecology, lakes, and zoology are crucial for my generation.

National Geographic, Animal Planet, and Steve Irwin spurred my own commitment

I love the sparkling snow, radiant sunlight, clean, crisp air found in nature.

With willingness to learn and make sacrifices, we can benefit from awareness.

Let us recognize the challenges to survival.

 

Hybrid cars, walking more-- steps toward our survival.

Less heating, cooling, and plastic packaging-- simple, useful actions

Environmental clubs and community discussions enhance our awareness.

We need some “re-imagination” by my generation

to help the cause of saving nature.

Planting trees, saving water, conserving paper—part of our commitment.

 

Buying local food is one simple personal commitment

to ensure my generation will impact earth’s ultimate survival.

Let’s vow to elect leaders who care about the needs of nature.

Clean technology and behavioral psychology re-direct our actions.

Arnold and Al’s ideas set the bar for our generation.

It is our call to arms to embrace “green” awareness.