Poetry- A Slice of Watermelon by Alisa Pokazanyeva

Sitting out in the hot, summer sun

Was always a hobby of mine

Becoming one with nature by staring

At the lively, welcoming forest surrounding my house.

Every time, I would have a slice of watermelon in my sweaty hand

Taking a bite every few minutes.

Savoring the sweet, coral red part and the tart white strip while it melts on my

tongue

It became tradition for me to never waste any watermelon, no matter the taste.

But this time was different.

There was no forest to look at, no wildlife to listen to,

Even the sun was hiding behind the dark and thick smoke.

I was left standing alone. In the middle of a flowerless, dead field that used to

belong to me,

Thinking if it was worth it.

To give up my watermelon filled days, complete with joy and peace and bliss

To give up what used to be my home.

Just for some useless, worn, green paper.

And the possibility of a fresh start.

Oh, how I want to go back!

Before selling my house and letting a metal hellhole build itself

Disrupting Earth’s beautiful cycle

Disrupting my cycle.

Every time I eat a slice of watermelon,

I can’t help but feel guilty

For ruining what used to be my happy place.

Of her piece, Alisa writes,

"My inspiration was how nature is being destroyed by human pollution."