Customer Service
Irene Elkin
Customer Service
Irene Elkin
Hello.
Is this customer service?
I ordered something.
A planet.
What kind of planet?
A viable planet.
A verdant planet.
It’s for my grandchildren.
Yes, I have four.
But I don’t want it just for them.
I want it for their children
And their grandchildren, too.
And all the other children.
So, can you fill my order?
You’re not sure?
It may take awhile?
But I want to make sure
They’ll have it in time.
In time for what?
In time for them to live good lives
With clean air, clean water
Enough good land for everyone.
Like I said,
I want a viable planet.
A verdant planet.
What must I do
For you to fill my order?
Persuade a lot of people
That climate change is real?
It’s not a hoax?
Where do I start?
You say, the politicians?
But will they listen?
You say, I should try?
I’ll try, if it means
My grandchildren can have
A viable planet.
A verdant planet.
But will my order be filled in time?
You say, “We’ll see?”
But what can I tell my grandchildren?
Irene Elkin is a clinical psychologist, primarily focused on psychotherapy research. After 30 years at the National Institute of Mental Health, she taught social work doctoral students at the University of Chicago. Now, residing in Evanston, she enjoys writing poems instead of research reports. Being very concerned about climate change, she serves as co-facilitator of the North Shore Village Network Climate Issues and Action Group.