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Fractured Eden

The Earth opens her mouth, but only smoke escapes. No words—just the long exhale of something dying too slowly. She once spoke in green— a dialect of leaf and wing, of rivers fluent in direction. Now, her language is static and flame. We stitched motorways across her skin, called it progress. Drilled into her marrow, called it wealth. Even silence has texture— ask the glaciers, ask the bees. She is not quiet. We are simply hard of listening.

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Vanya Evangeline

Date: 5/29/2025 8:10:00 AM

"We are simply hard of listening." Sadly true. We are too often blissfully unaware of how many of the day-to-day things we own have harmful impacts on the environment (if not through direct use, then its production & shipment). And admittedly, we probably choose not to hear because letting go of these conveniences in favour of something more sustainable is too difficult.

Aaliyah O'Neil
Date: 5/29/2025 8:12:00 AM

Absolutely—thank you for your thoughtful reflection. It's true that many of our day-to-day choices carry unseen environmental costs, and recognising them can be uncomfortable. But that awareness is the first, essential step towards change. While it's not always easy to shift habits or let go of convenience, small, intentional steps can add up—especially when we support one another along the way.

Paige Hind

Date: 5/18/2025 8:41:00 PM

"She once spoke in green— a dialect of leaf and wing, of rivers fluent in direction." !!!!

Aaliyah O'Neil
Date: 5/19/2025 1:46:00 PM

Thank you. I’m so glad that line caught your attention—there’s something magical about capturing nature’s language, and I’m happy it resonated with you.

Mike Bayles

Date: 5/11/2025 7:52:00 PM

"Stitched motorways across her skin-" wonderful. The last stanza is great.

Aaliyah O'Neil
Date: 5/13/2025 7:19:00 AM

Thank you so much. I'm really glad you liked that line and the final stanza—it was one of my favorite parts to write. I’m grateful for your kind words and for taking the time to read it. Your feedback means a lot.

Tom Woody

Date: 5/9/2025 3:42:00 PM

So good Aaliyah. Earth under assault... for now

Aaliyah O'Neil
Date: 5/10/2025 10:17:00 AM

Thank you so much. I’m very passionate about environmental issues, so having the opportunity to express that through poetry means a great deal to me. I’m really glad you enjoyed it.