Long ago, the world was green,

Fresh and bright, with skies so clean.

The rivers flowed, the trees grew tall,

And birds flew freely over all.

But look around, what do we see?

Dirty air and dying trees.

Waste on land, waste in the sea,

And too much noise for you and me.

We need some light to work and play,

But do we need it all the day?

Let’s use the light when it is right,

And leave some room for stars at night.

We have the seeds, we have the land,

We have the time to lend a hand.

We know the way, we know what’s right—

So why not start and make things bright?

I don't want to see rivers dry,

Or see the green trees fall and die.

I want a future fresh and bright,

With trees and cities full of life.

We need new ideas, we need new things,

But let them help the Earth grow strong.

Let progress move with nature too,

So both can grow the whole way through.

The Earth is hurt, but hope is near,

There is still time to make things right.

We must not let our future fear,

We can bring back the green and light.

So plant a seed, protect a tree,

Keep the rivers clean and free.

The future starts with what we choose—

A greener world begins with you.

-Yashika, 8th grader [2026]