"The Not So Good Earth" by Bruce Dawe is a powerful poem that addresses the negative impact of human greed and disregard for the natural world on the environment.
The poem begins with a description of the earth as a "good earth," a place that is fertile and full of life. However, the speaker then goes on to describe how humans have exploited and destroyed this once-pristine environment through their actions.
The speaker describes how humans have "ploughed and burned" the earth, turning it into a "stony desert." They have polluted the air, water, and soil, causing the extinction of countless species and making the earth a less hospitable place for all living things.
Despite the devastating effects of human activity on the earth, the speaker laments that we continue to "pillage and plunder," driven by our desire for material wealth and consumption. We are like "locusts" consuming everything in our path, without regard for the long-term consequences of our actions.
In the final stanza, the speaker speaks directly to the reader, urging us to recognize the harm we are causing to the earth and to take steps to protect and preserve it. The speaker calls on us to be "stewards" of the earth, rather than destroyers, and to work towards a more sustainable future for all living things.
Overall, "The Not So Good Earth" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that highlights the negative impact of human greed and disregard for the natural world on the environment. It serves as a reminder of the urgent need for us to protect and preserve the earth for future generations.
"The Not So Good Earth" by Bruce Dawe is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that addresses the destructive impact of human activity on the natural world. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, Dawe portrays a bleak and desolate landscape that has been ravaged by the greed and neglect of humans.
The poem opens with a description of a barren and scarred earth, with "bare paddocks" and "dry rivers." The land is described as being "ravaged" and "unforgiving," suggesting the harsh and unforgiving nature of the environment. This imagery is further enhanced by the use of metaphors, such as the "desolate wind" that "scours" the land and the "scorching sun" that "beats" down upon it.
The poem then goes on to describe the various ways in which humans have contributed to the degradation of the earth. The speaker talks about the "monstrous machines" that have "chewed" and "slashed" the land, leaving behind "wounds" that will never heal. The speaker also talks about the way in which humans have polluted the air and water, with "toxic fumes" and "chemical spills" that have left the earth "poisoned."
Despite the bleak and hopeless tone of the poem, Dawe does not shy away from addressing the ways in which humans can work to repair the damage that has been done to the earth. The speaker talks about the importance of "restoring" and "rebuilding" the earth, and encourages readers to take action to protect the natural world.
Overall, "The Not So Good Earth" by Bruce Dawe is a powerful and moving poem that highlights the destructive impact of human activity on the natural world. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, Dawe delivers a poignant message about the need to take better care of the earth and to work towards a more sustainable future.
