The Unwilling Jailer

Blue depths 

Holder of euphoria and life

I enshroud the senses

Sometimes I am unmoving

Shy, a bit cautious 

The wind nudges me forward gently 

My fingertips graze over hot grains 

Before I must retreat 

Other times 

A heat swells in the pits of my stomach 

Excitement floods my veins

I stand tall onto the tips of my toes

Trembles overcome me 

I reel forward

Curled up into myself 

Cold water rushes down 

Salty taste, cool touch 

Within me lives 

The gems of this earth 

Great white bears 

Rest on icy blocks 

Forming homes for their young

Humans enjoy my shallow waters 

Laughing, splashing.

I wash away worry 

Ease seeping deep into their bones

Yet, something creeps in 

Poison coated claws sink into me 

Infecting, tainting 

The icy blocks are it’s first victims 

I cannot speak when they cry 

Their bodies lessening with each passing day 

I cannot move when I bloat

Overfilling with their remains

Shoves and howls 

Replace nudges and laughter 

Trees

             snap 

                    Against the wind 

He runs in circles 

Dragging me along 

My falls turn hazardous 

Wood splints underneath the pressure 

I tear through the homes of my humans 

Furniture 

                     Pictures 

 Memories 

Destroyed 

I wrap around their wrists and ankles; 

Watery chains weigh down 

Until they gasp, claw, and struggle 

Their freedom is stolen 

I am silenced 

As my form distorts 

As I slap shackles on the innocent 

As fingers point, turning the blame onto me 

As I become jailer of a prison 

Soaked in blood and tears 

Founded by a force born from my accusers 

Who are they to declare me the villain?

They are the ones who pollute this earth 

Burning materials without thought 

They say the pains aren’t real

“Climate change? Oh, that’s just a theory.”

I scoff 

If it’s not real, why do I feel the symptoms of an incoming epidemic.

My body aches, my knees shake 

Stomach twisting and knotting 

Cotton stuff head 

Pressure building 

A storm is brewing

I’ll shut my eyes and cover my ears

I will play my part 

Become the horrible, justified ocean 

I’m becoming what they wanted 

If they’re not changing why should I 

Watch as our beautiful earth

By her children

Is pulled apart

Author's Note

Thank you for reading! Constructive criticism is very much appreciated!