anthropo-obscenity

Samuel Eberenz

some of the anthropoi
computerised their ancestors’ theories
to a degree – or more –
making everyone look ahead
with uncertainty

trained as ‘modest witnesses’
to nature’s unlimited courtesies
they’ve become witnesses in court
on behalf of those young enough
to be living – very likely –
through one of the scenarios
pinned down in their parents’ reports

as the windows are closing
some have grown
tired
repeating the names of geological epochs
in endless responses to their peers

and gaia?
– always been a slow reader –
dreams herself away
into an unexpected
escape from fate

The Science

In the face of the climate crisis, climate researchers feel compelled to reflect on their role and identity as scientists in society. Their research has become political, and even evidence in court – most prominently in the IPCC reports. At the same time, the atmospheric window is narrowing, as are windows of opportunity to mitigate climate change. As a consequence, eco-anxiety is spreading among humans struggling to envision a liveable future for younger generations and a sustainable relationship with ’Mother Earth’. Inspired by the work of Octavia E. Butler, Dr. Donna J. Haraway, and Dr. Sonia I. Seneviratne.

The Poet

In his research, Sam strives to make climate science accessible to society. As a poet, he embraces the inaccessible and the uncertain – overconfident that there is immeasurable significance in vulnerability. He has published poetry in armarolla, eXperimenta, and online. Sam is also the co-founder of the Lab of Im_possibilities and LitUp!. You can follow him on Twitter @SamuelEberenz.

Next poem: as to the age of the auriferous series by Divya M. Persaud