Single-use

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.