Future Fears
I am worried
about the future of the spider living under my floorboards
and the shrub growing out of my front step
I fear they may both die soon but
my research is inconclusive
I worry for the future of my keys
Last week I found them in the freezer
Who knows?
Dear God, who knows
what I might do next
I am concerned for the future of nail polish
What if they forget how to make it
or the nail polish factory succumbs to decay?
My nails will show my true self, vulnerable
and alone
I spend time worrying
about the future of my sister
She has so many secrets under her hat
I worry for the future of old buildings in my city
Will they fade fade fade
Like the car factories in Detroit
Like the colonial homes in Cuba
crumbling onto the street
I’m so worried
For the future of art and dance
In my nightmares
the film theatre shuts down
My favourite author dies
and I can’t find the answers to burning questions I don’t yet own
I worry
about the future of blue whales and their sweet songs of the sea
The coral reefs
Delicate skeletons
Suffocating and sunburned
Our planet
I fear for the most
Sycamore, Sacoya, Sweet Chestnut
We’re so
so sorry
I am worried for the future of our hearts
I’m really not sure
how much more
we can take
–
by Sarah Case
–
All text appears as provided by the author.
