A Passion Flower and a bee with pollen on his back
The above photo, by Curtis Beaird, inspired Emma Lewis to write the following poem, which was read in the U. S. Embassy in Jamaica last week.
Poem by Emma Lewis
Burden Heavy
Work to be done.
The bee moves, butter yellow dust package on his back,
Growing heavier.
Feather legs brushed with dust.
Sign says: "Do not disturb."
Work to be done.
Man walks slowly, steps among banana leaves.
His hand sprays poison
From his plastic back pack.
Sign says: "Water unfit for use."
Work must be done.
Planet Earth is heavy
With chain saws, mining trucks,
Oil rigs, coal plants.
Sign says: "Urgent. Help needed."
Poem copyright 2014, Emma Lewis. All rights reserved.
Emma Lewis Bio:
Emma Lewis is a writer, blogger and social media practioner (Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn) with a focus on current affairs, social issues, youth issues, the environment and human rights.
Emma was born in London, England and she is a graduate of the University of Oxford. For twenty-six years, she has been a resident of the lovely Caribbean island of Jamaica. For over sixteen years, she served as a Public Affairs Specialist with the U. S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica.
Currently, she is a writer and blogger for her Jamaican-flavored Petchary's Blog, a 2012 winner of the Best Jamaica-Focused Blog Award. Emma is also a member of Birds Caribbean, a society for the conservation and study of Caribbean birds.
Thank you Emma, for sharing your beautiful poem with us!
