When I was thirteen, the COVID-19 pandemic closed my school and temporarily shut down the environmental club I had started. Looking for a way to get involved with the climate, I discovered PUSH Buffalo, a local organization focused on sustainable urban planning and environmental justice. I began joining their Zoom webinars, and when they invited me to speak at a rally to pass the Climate Community Investment Act (2021), I was very excited and agreed.

The CCIA was an act that aimed to transition the state to 100% renewable energy, create jobs, and support communities most impacted by climate change. I wrote a speech about how climate change has impacted my life as a teenager, and I gave this speech at the rally. When the CCIA failed to pass, I started writing letters to state representatives myself. Each time, I received the same generic, automated responses-polite, dismissive, and empty. As I grew older and got more frustrated with politicians stalling climate action again and again, those letter replies stayed with me.

The poem below was inspired by that feeling: the disconnect between young activists urgently demanding action and the politicians who praise our “enthusiasm” while continually choosing not to listen.

Love the Enthusiasm

Thank you for contacting, and urging

And urging

For me to pass this bill. 

This bill, this bill, this bill.

But I can’t say I will.

You see,

There are things that you just don’t understand. 

Things that are part of a bigger plan,

That are better for our land.

But I love the enthusiasm you kids

Seem to have these days. 

If only it could pay.

For the good of the people of course.

The people.

Furthermore,

the topic you speak of doesn’t even exist.

So I will dismiss. 

I’m not saying you’re crazy.

You’re just a kid

Who thinks they have the right

To call me lazy.

Thank you for your call

Thank you for your letter

Thank you for your protest

Your rally

Your chaos

Your uprest

Your disobedience

Your silence.

I will be sure to take immediate action to your call

Remember to vote for me in the fall.