Everyone has been quietly crying. Their eyes have almost dried up. Their tears are saltier than the ocean they have faced for days. This ocean seems to feel them, since its waves are angrily seizing the few remaining boats. These island’s children don’t recognize their watery father anymore, it’s changed its friendly personality.

“Do you remember?” an old woman painfully asked.

No answer, no will to speak, too sad for vain words in a world that requires actions, good deeds. Nevertheless, all of them remembered, remember, and will remember wonderful and joyful times when life was easy, active, and lovely. All tribe members were rowing memories of the sweetest childhood when traditions for Mother Earth, care, and love for communal hard work were taught and enjoyed.

“Wiseman (or ‘grandfather’), why all this happened?” one of the youngsters bitterly asked the oldest man on that boat. Old people are called ‘grandparents’ although individuals have no blood ties.

“No idea why Mambakoort has taken our Mother back; we have always tried to respect Mother (their island) and Father (the ocean).”

The aboriginals were never warned by radio broadcasts, TV breaking news, or internet websites about the global climate change that melted the polar ice caps which flooded their peaceful and beautiful home.

“Wiseman, what will we face?” the kid asked again with sincere interest for his people’s future.

“We’ll search for a new beginning, a new hope,” the old man convincingly asseverated.

Everybody smiled and kept rowing – rowing dreams this time.

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Melissa Taggart
Melissa Taggart(@melissa-taggart)
1 year ago

This story is quite lovely. You have managed to relay such strong imagery in so few words. I have read this several times now, and I appreciate it more each time! Great work.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
1 year ago

Hello, Henry. Welcome to the Voice club.

It is a great first story. You manage to write it well. Excellent.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
Reply to  Henry Vinicio Valerio Madriz
1 year ago

You’re most welcome, Henry.

Margarida Brei
Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
1 year ago

Henry you have written such a sad and moving story- well done. Sadder still in this could be part of the near future. Thank you for bringing global warming to the forefront, but also giving a sense of hope.

Fuji
Fuji(@fuji)
1 year ago

This gentle story tells the story of climate change from a different point of view. So poignant, so real, so heart-wrenching. Excellent writing, on a topic that concerns us all deeply. I hope to read more of your stories in the future.

Juma
Juma(@juma)
1 year ago

This story should shake us all to the core. When your Father (ocean) turns against you, and your Mother (island or home) disappears beneath you, your old life is over. How lovely that you had the islanders rowing dreams at the end. We need to change our lives now. Thank you, Henry.

Sandra OReilly
Sandra OReilly(@sandra-oreilly)
1 year ago

Hi Henry – You have created a vision with your words, one of utter sadness of how our beautiful planet reacts to what we are doing to it, but also one of hope these people have for their future. Well done.

Carrie OLeary
Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
1 year ago

Hi Henry and welcome to Voice.club. I think the part of your story that saddens me most is that even those who take care of Mother are affected by the actions of those who don’t. A poignant read.

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