Taking Action Through Poetry — Meet Megha Saharan
Being able to put in words what you feel is already challenging enough, but when you also have to convey that emotion eloquently, there are only a few that can do it as good as Megha. When I sat down virtually to talk to her about Global Impact Network and the challenges we face we laughed, we cried, but most importantly — we made sure that we were making it matter and making it count.
Megha writes poetry and short stories with social impact behind them. She writes and speaks for several publications, including Global Peace Foundation India and Tears of Earth. Dear to her heart, apart from the strive to better our planet by taking care of it, is also SDG 5 — Gender Equality, and she frequently writes and speaks out about it.
Below you can read Megha’s poem “Cosmic Tree” which she describes as an honest attempt to exemplify the emotions of a tree, as her response against India’s EIA Draft 2020:
COSMIC TREE
when the sun was blazing
and i was burning
i became a sweet shed
for the one earning
when squirrel and birds
come rest on me
they bring food from streets
and share with me
later we play
all so free
when the sun was setting
and children were sweating
i drop them fruit for eating
but later at night
the birds told me
my brother was cut down
in pieces
to the ground
the dam trees have to go, they bawled..
i couldn’t move
i couldn’t scream
but i cried
in vain
loaded with pain
and i was shamefaced
that everyone could see
i am a lonesome
crippled
tongue-tied tree..
did you feel my fear?
did you see my tears?
did my sob ring your ears?
i tasted a bitter storm
i heard the roaring clouds
with their indefinite form
underneath its sombre mood
carrying a hidden pain behind its roar
it was the costume they wore
cheers to this gloomy foggy night of a life, i yelped..
so with the winds
i dance
madly..
i dance
through pain..
i dance
to life
to its momentary bliss
and to the brother that i miss..
with the clouds
i cry
from my unseen eyes
i wish my brother the paradise
i wash off in its tears
all my sorrow
to a new tomorrow
to an acceptance
that help me grow
and as the wind blow
i go
i go with the flow..
early morning
with the sun rising
i see them jogging
a realization to which i am waking
and just wondering..
i breathe out
so you breathe
and i breathe in
what you excrete
today i see you wearing colorful masks
are you cutting my tribe out
to replace them with (oxygen) gas masks?
no, it’s not a favor
we live with the same mother
we are meant for one another
so folks, what is with the behavior?
-Megha
Her touching words and kind heart shine through her work and that is why I wanted to ask Megha 5 interview-style questions about her desire to become a GIN Ambassador. She answered with a lot of conscious thought behind, but also with a lot of humor, heart, and soul.
Why do you care about the SDGs?
I care about it because I’m a woke citizen who strives to live for the service of humanity and Mama Earth.
Share your story: how have you created an impact in your community, school, company, or country?
I write short stories and slam poetry for the environment to spread awareness. I encourage and try to inspire family and friends by reusing/recycling things.
What is the most memorable moment you’ve had in regards to the Global Goals?
When I celebrated “Raksha Bandhan” (a Hindu fest) with nature as Nature Bandhan. It was an attempt of making a bond with the nature of mutual protection under the slogan Prakriti Rakshati Rakshataha, meaning, Nature protects those who protect her.
Could you give us daily examples of sustainable/positive actions you make?
On a daily basis, I’m conscious about how much water I use and I try to reuse the water for other secondary purposes. I save electricity on an individual level. And I use eco-friendly bikes to commute to nearby places.
Why are you well suited to become one of 100 of the world’s first Global Impact Citizens?
I feel I AM Environment. Being a hardcore nature lover I feel through its every emotion. I want to be of its service at every step I take. Besides, I am a Human/Animal/Environment Rights advocate and very assertive in my behavior related to these issues.
We are proud to announce Megha Saran as one of our First 100 Global Impact Ambassadors.
You can find more about Megha and Tears of the Earth on Instagram, just click here.
You can also find Global Impact Network on Instagram and join the movement with our fellow change-makers.
Join her and me by creating a positive impact, globally.
For more information contact info@globalimpact.world
