By Caroline Ho, Assistant Editor
Use me once then throw me out
no time for hesitance nor doubt
too busy too convenient
I guess life’s just too exigent
to think about the bigger scene
to think what single-use things mean
to see where all your waste ends up
each takeout box each plastic cup
each wrapper for prepackaged food
don’t think of me you’ll kill the mood
don’t bother feeling any grief
my time with you is far too brief
don’t bother with your false regret
I’m free from you I’m not dead yet
don’t worry where I go to die—
I never die oh no not I
long after I am thrown away
I linger I do not decay
you’ll be long gone I’ll be still here
in landfills oceans atmosphere
your planet’s running out of room
your race is running toward its doom
your mindlessness seals your own fate
but can’t you fix it you’re too late
but can’t you stop it you don’t care
you’ve let me pile up everywhere
you’ve given me this ruined earth
one single chance that’s all it’s worth
so use me once throw me aside
’til my truth grows too big to hide
I’m out of sight I’m out of mind
’til I destroy your humankind.
