Question

Arunima Pal, a student of Class IX, wrote a poem for her school magazine to create an awareness amongst students.

Wrath of Pollution Meadows of green, Splashes of blue. What was in store, Nobody had any clue. Dark clouds started looming, And flowers stopped blooming. Death stared us in the face, But we could still save the human race. Leaders started having talks, And conducted nature walks. The trees and rivers are receding, Will we be succeeding???

1. What sentiments of the child is reflected here? Do you also feel the same kind of emotions on this topic?
2. Find the rhyme scheme of the poem.
3. Analyse and write the meanings of these sentences:
   1. Leaders started having talks, And conducted nature walks.
   2. Death stared us in the face, But we could still save the human race.
4. Express your feelings by writing a similar poem or an article and publish it in a renowned magazine.

Answer 1

(i) The child expresses concern, fear, sadness and helplessness about the harmful effects of pollution on nature and human life. The poem shows how pollution is destroying greenery, flowers, trees and rivers. The child is also worried about whether human beings will succeed in saving the environment.

Yes, I also feel the same emotions because pollution is harming nature and creating serious problems for living beings. We should take responsibility for protecting our environment.

(ii) The rhyme scheme is:

• Stanza 1: ABCC
• Stanza 2: AABB
• Stanza 3: AABB

Overall rhyme scheme: ABCC AABB AABB

(iii) a. These lines mean that leaders began discussing environmental problems and taking part in activities related to nature and environmental awareness. They tried to understand the condition of the environment and encourage people to protect it.

b. These lines mean that pollution had become so dangerous that it threatened human life. However, the situation could still be improved if people took immediate and effective steps to control pollution and protect the environment.

(iv)

Save Our Earth The rivers once flowed clear, And birds sang without fear. The forests were fresh and green, With beautiful sights to be seen. But smoke filled up the air, And people forgot to care. The trees began to disappear, And nature shed a silent tear. It is time for us to act, And face the problem as a fact. Plant more trees and keep Earth clean, Make our planet fresh and green. If we all lend a helping hand, We can protect our precious land. Let us make a promise today, To keep pollution far away.