Poem: Catch Your Breath, Push On

Remind yourself every day if you have to
This is why you fight
Don’t give in to the daily financial struggle
Telling you money making is all that’s right

Future generation, yes, even current ones
All over Mother Earth
The vulnerable, the unlucky
Will be thought to have been cursed
From birth

Born into a world where wealthier folks consumed
Like there was no tomorrow
That tomorrow has been coming now
Releasing a new realisation, a new sorrow

There will be troubles brewing, shit hitting fans
Bigger and bigger, more and more
Ask yourself why you’re here
It’s to face off against death in a war

A war for survival of people, animals and the
Places we love
This existential horror show
Will disgust, dismay, push and shove

Until you’re begging for mercy
Hoping someone somewhere will care
So, my friend, today it is
The day for you to act on your knowledge and dare

Do what so few have done, that is
Put time and energy into this climate war we all face
Battling the ignorance of fools
Opening up hope in an urgent chaotic race

A race against time after a half century of
Running up a huge greenhouse gas debt
All while knowing its impact on the future
Like a gambler’s last desperate bet

Remind yourself, please do, every day if you have to
This is why you fight
Don’t give in to the daily financial struggle
Telling you money making is all that’s right

~ Gunnar Våken