We'll be featuring work by Sheffield Climate Writers as guest posts on this blog, and here to kick us off is 'Letter from Earth' by Andrea Small, which came out of a writing exercise at our initial meeting in July.
Andrea Small lives in Sheffield. She is a member of Heeley Women Writers and is currently engaged in a poetry MA at Manchester Metropolitan University. She runs singing groups for all sorts of people, believing that we all can – and should – sing. Her poetry has been published in Three Drops from a Cauldron, Algebra of Owls, Strix and Dream Catcher.
Letter from Earth
Dear Humanity
It pains me to have to write to you in this manner, but your activity is increasingly a cause for concern. Your files, carefully maintained by HR, contain many instances of inappropriate behaviour and consequent warnings.
I am sure that you will agree that I have bent over backwards to accommodate your mistakes, understanding that due to your extreme youth, you have needed time to learn and develop in your own ways. I am afraid that the time has come to tell you that those ways are not working.
I allowed you to populate me, to mine me, to cut down my forests because I thought – how foolishly – that you would learn through your actions that your procedures, your explorations, were finite. You have been creative, I must admit: the invention of God was particularly clever; the invention of money less so.
I have operated a hands-off policy with you for long enough. I must now inform you that you are required to attend a Tribunal on Monday next, where your charges (think Jacob Marley’s chain and then some) will be laid before you.
You are entitled to representation – never let it be said that I did not give you a chance to defend yourselves – but in fairness I must advise you that the evidence against you is compelling.
Attendance is mandatory. My decision is final.
yours, &c
Earth
We've also asked contributors to add their thoughts about the meeting, or about climate writing. Here's Andrea's piece:
Reflections on first meeting of Sheffield Climate Writers
I enjoyed attending this well-structured and expertly facilitated session. Starting with some deep listening was a helpful way to hear another’s thoughts and grope towards my own through speaking them.
In no way can I describe myself as any kind of activist. Whilst understanding the need for action to address climate change, whilst admiring the energy and commitment of those who campaign, I remain sceptical of the efficacy of marches and demonstrations. I am always struck by the irony of the expenditure of such energy to an uncertain end.
Neither have I tolerance for the rhetoric of destruction. At the meeting, someone talked about “bringing down the government”, to a general hum of approval. I did not hum.
I did write, though. I liked both pieces I wrote - I gussied one up for this website – and I thought. I thought about what I, a sceptical non-marching writer with a working critical faculty, can do.
I can write.
So I will.
Andrea Small