The Class of Twenty-Four

By Gemma Grace, Milton Keynes College

To you all, every being here,

the class of twenty-four.

Take a seat and heed my words,

a warning, as such, to explore.

For years, we have been blessed,

to be the lease-holders of this Earth.

But now is the time to examine,

Just how much this blessing is worth.

As during these positions of power we hold,

we have ignored the destruction occurring.

Instead of acknowledging those in need,

our attention was drawn away from conserving.

Magnificent oceans that stretched so far, 

Once vast seas glistening with hope.

Slowly dwindling away to nothing more,

and abundant phantoms that cannot cope.

An assortment of lives drifting and floating beneath,

captured, shelled and served.

Heaped onto platters of silver and gold,

with whichever fine wine is preferred.

Territories, grasslands, fields and more,

silently reducing and in need preserving.

Innocent souls with their restless eyes,

pleading for help from those merely observing.

Possession of treasures not rightfully ours,

stolen from an unarmed force.

Only to be proudly displayed on a wall,

without a single shred of remorse.

Species battling for means of survival,

their plight played out on television.

Searching for support to end their suffering,

their cries beg for a productive decision.

There are those who have watched with predatory eyes,

stopping only to ponder and discuss.

What they feel the world owes them,

and their repeated refrains of "What about us?"

And so in response to the refrains,

this caution has been birthed. 

So we can learn how to work together and salvage,

the many wonders that belong to this Earth.

All creatures of land, water and air,

deserve our respect and love and compassion.

To be given the right to roam with free will,

and not be used as objects of fashion.

To open our eyes to the landscapes we've reduced,

and return kingdoms to their former state.

To give back the once boundless homes to many,

and pass on the gift of a brighter fate.

Take only what we need to take,

and avoid the gluttonous greed.

Be reminded of our privileged existence,

and be thankful for when we succeed.

Make the change now, embark on a journey,

and take a step with me, I implore.

We can and we will save our Earth,

 make a stand with me, the class of twenty-four.