Model, writer and activist Wilson Oryema shares this flipped poem for Earth Day. Read the poem one way and it tells a story about restraint and our desire for more things; read it in reverse and it tells the story from the earth’s perspective, the pressure of being overran with these things and other waste.
Iʼve had enough Iʼve taken all I can take Why now? I cannot breathe There are items everywhere As far as the eyes can see It pains me Can I be freed from my needs? Have I committed a grave sin Why must I suffer For the sake of others Hold my tongue I could never I shouldnʼt have to do this They want more of me But I want more Of them These fleeting things
Discover more poetry by Wilson Oryema and read his journey navigating through the fashion industry whilst speaking out for sustainability in his Life As I Know It.