In 2014 Kathy Jetnil-Kijner presented a poem she made for her six months old daughter. She read it out loud to the public, earning a massive ovation from the crowd and gathering great appreciation for its message. The poem talks about the ocean coming to swallow the daughter one day and how everyone warns her of this coming future; yet, the mother tells her daughter not to worry (Bear, 2014). She promises to protect her from the sharks, whales, and backwater dangers. There is a clear metaphor for using sharks, whales, and backwater to symbolize the companies and governments that threaten the world’s climate for their profit. Jetnil-Kijner talks about people coming together to stop this crisis and how despite the opposing forces trying to hide the truth, the people will protect the world from it.
Her words show dedication and determination, and she clearly believes wholly in her promise. She is determined to provide a better future for her daughter, yet how possible is it to avoid all these catastrophes? It is impossible to tell for now, but one cannot accuse the writer of lying. She is telling the truth: she and like-minded people will fight for the world to stop climate change. For those who contribute to the planet’s destruction, her message is clear: she will oppose them, fight them, and stop them. Jetnil-Kijiner is committed to continuing her fight against their business practices for the planet.
As a response, I can only show my support for the woman. It is an excellent message that all of us could preach in this day and age. As climate change begins to affect more and more countries, cultures, and people, to refuse to fight, might seem like madness. So many islands and shore areas will be underwater unless we stop and revert the process. While incredibly difficult, I find it a worthy moral for any person and an inspiring message to give to one’s child.
Reference
Bear, M. (2014). Dear Matafele Peinem – MOTHER’S POEM TO SIX-MONTH-OLD DAUGHTER. Things I Have Learned.