By Water, By Fire
by Zachary Steigerwald Schnall
This collection of poems explores the impacts of climate change on human rights. From the islands of Kiribati to the cities of South Africa, environmental devastation wreaks twin havocs of inundation and drought. The biblical question of who shall perish by water and who by fire becomes increasingly relevant each year for humans worldwide, and will continue to dominate discussions so long as unsustainable activities continue.
​
The first poem typifies a semi-conscious consumer in the United States. The second and third poem draw from news coverage, videotaped conversations, and opinion pieces of Kiribati and South African residents. The fourth poem is based on an in-person interview with a member of the Sunrise Movement featured in a late 2018 viral speech.
​
​
​
​​
The Fire that Burned on Lion's Head
​
​
​