The Swedish Maiden's Crusade

The talk is all of climate change
As glaciers melt from mountain range
Sea levels rise and tempers too
This is global – what's to do?

Schoolgirl Greta Thunberg flaunts
Accepted wisdom, as she taunts -
For their inaction - Parliament;
Lone voice at first with deep intent!

A personal crusade, now world wide
Indifference brusquely pushed aside
Mass demonstrations, angry voices
Politicians must make choices!

Storms, forest fires, floods and drought
And yet the jury is still out
Nature's balance is disturbed
Has the tipping point occurred?

Scientists oft have aired their views
Reported faintly in the news
That Man's own actions are to blame
Death knell, by another name?

Scaremongering or media hype?
What if the girl-with-plaits is right?
Youth points a finger, bold, distraught;
Actions on all sides are sought!

(c) Poet in the woods 2019