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January 26, 2021

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Home » Feature » Education

Dark tale of an environmental dystopia

By Roslee | 00:07 UTC+8 January 26, 2021 | Print Edition

Stone-cold, ancient rock — once royalty.

The cracked skin of earthly monsters burned under a glaring light from a ball of fire. Infected moss and fungus overpower the brown. The sickly mountain faded yellow with worms and slugs infesting its body. The white, dreamy mist from the skies couldn’t cure the mountains. Soon, parasitic vegetation took over like a giant virus. The body changed from yellow to dirty brown. The strong winds bellowed through the mountains, making them shiver.

It was a most treasured piece of crafted art; with twisting branches that intertwined with random speckles of green — the softest and silkiest of leaves that created a cushion for the giant. There were too many giants. The blueprints were burned and thrown away like shards of glass. The only remains were the broken branches and lost leaves at the base of each sickly mountain. Fragments of time slowly decomposing and vanishing into thin air.

The yellow emperor, tall and intimidating in stature, radiated gold light, blinding all. Some celebrated the emperor’s success while others scurried away. His rule was once peaceful but all good comes to an end. He saw the giants’ scars, he put ointment on their wounds, he talked with each mountain, offering solutions.

Sadly, as he aged, he got sick and couldn’t take care of the mountains anymore. It was time for him to take care of himself. Soon after, he was called to the sky. The icy, frost penetrated their souls. The tiny parasites infected their bodies. Trash was dumped in their homes. Fumes so toxic they invaded the air. Water that once brought life and rejuvenation to the mountain was now contaminated. The mountains were sick and slowly rotting.

The ancient, stone rock is covered by the blanket of the night. The wind, sky and leaves try to comfort these sleeping giants.

The clock strikes 12. It’s the start of a new day, a new possibility, new hope.

Education


 

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