The future can be characterized by kindness and a lack of definitive ending, fueled by channeling rage against injustice.
Love remains the only revenge for nobodies, even in the face of destructive impact on the earth.
Deep dives
The Future as Soft and Revolutionary
The speaker reflects on the future, considering the possibility that it is characterized by kindness and a lack of definitive ending. They highlight the resilience of whole cities and the power of promises to the natural world. The future is described as a free spirit, unaffected by any obligations. However, the speaker emphasizes the importance of channeling rage against injustice to create a lasting impact. They ponder on the silence that would ensue if the future were to leave, emphasizing the rarity and beauty of human existence. Ultimately, the speaker expresses their willingness to defy apocalypses and continue betting on humanity and love, even if it leads to their own extinction.
Love as the Only Revenge
The speaker shares their personal experiences, starting with their seven-year-old cousin and the challenges they face, such as contaminated drinking water. They contemplate the earth's ability to remember everything and draw parallels between the color of their bodies and the earth. Despite being nobodies, the speaker emphasizes that love remains their only revenge. They acknowledge the destructive impact on the earth but express a willingness to go through it all again, placing their faith in humanity and committing to life even as they see trees falling. The speaker concludes by affirming their willingness to follow love, even if it leads to their own extinction.
1.
The Future Is Soft and Revolution Is So Kind That There Is No End to Us in Sight
From Krista: I have been texting this exquisite poem from our archives to my beloveds. Perhaps it will touch you — hold you — as it is touching and holding me.
ON ANOTHER PANEL ABOUT CLIMATE, THEY ASK ME TO SELL THE FUTURE AND ALL I'VE GOT IS A LOVE POEM
To call the young Pakistani-American poet, Ayisha Siddiqa, a "climate activist" feels too simple. She describes herself as a storyteller and human rights and land defender. She is a climate advisor to the U.N. Secretary General, and was a 2023 TIME Woman of the Year.
The poem is read by the also extraordinary young marine biologist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, from her On Being conversation with Krista, What If We Get This Right?
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