Solastalgia Youth Group

Solastalgia Youth group working with Suzuki Elder Erlene Woollard (2nd from left) on a previous Stolastalgia event. They are Renmart Buhay, Nastenka Alva Calle, Arista Marthyman, and Bianca Demelo.

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Date: January 28, 2024

An “eco-poetry” event sponsored by the Solastalgia youth group and the Suzuki elders, was held in late summer in Vancouver and again in January 2024.

A poem written together during the Suzuki Elders and Solastalgia

Poetry workshop January 28, 2024

I Saw the Aftermath of Hell

I saw the aftermath of hell
All our worldly goods lost in grey piles

Unnatural clouds, the smell of smoke in air
The heaviness in my lungs and an orange-grey glow

Where will we all go?

My neighbour says “It isn’t that bad.”
As they sit tranquil in their un-torched home

Canoes rowing, children playing peacefully,
Dogs barking in the park
Birds chirping at the feeder
Bees buzzing in the garden
The smell of freshly cut grass
A place of pleasure and peace

We understand your bliss yet our hearts still ache
Where will this all go?
Dissolved in fire and flood?

I saw the aftermath of hell

-Arista, Erlene, Sophia and Tessa

To read more poetry written by youth and the Suzuki Elders during this workshop go to Read More

To see more art created by youth collaborating with the Suzuki Elders on projects go to Read More