Long Live The Earth Poem by Wilhelm Achim

The environment gave what living things need:
Clean air, clean water, warmth, shelter and feed.

But parts of all nations have now been abused.
Earth has been poisoned, plundered and used.

This terrible truth brings, to all people shame.
We cause the damage. Ours is the blame.

We chop down the trees that keep the air clean.
The birds are left homeless…some no longer seen.

Vast forests are milled for buildings and papers,
And fertile green land is used for skyscrapers.

Exhaust fumes and vapors clothe cities in smog.
This air is thick with dirt – not a harmless gray fog.

We poison Earth’s bounty with chemical spray
And leave mountains of waste to pollute and decay.

In places, sea life can barely survive.
In very bad water there’s nothing alive.

Beaches are littered; and trash lies about…
Some are so polluted that swimming is out!

This magnificent Earth deserves far better care.
We can help in its rescue if we each do our share.

By joining together, every age, every race,
We can give back to Earth natural balance and grace.

Save precious resources. Don’t throw things away!
So much can be salvaged for recycling each day.

Using both sides of paper to paint on, or draw,
Can save a whole tree from an axe or a saw.

Think of walking or biking before using a car.
Take the bus or the train if you have to go far.

At the beach, pick up trash that’s left lying around,
And let sea life remain where it’s naturally found.

If you can, plant a tree or a garden to suit.
Be good to the soil, and the seed will bear fruit.

Even one small green plant will help cleanse the air;
Indoor or outdoors – it helps anywhere.

Tell Mayors, Prime Ministers, Presidents, too,
How important the Earth is to you.

No planet is like it, not Venus nor Mars,
Our home has such beauty it outshines the stars.

Treat it with thoughtfulness. Treasure its worth.
Tend it with loving… Long live the Earth!

6/5/03