Kyle Dahilig
This poem was written and performed by myself as part of my RAY Diversity Fellowship application.
It is read from the perspective of my seventh generation grand, offering me advice.
If for a second you can close your eyes and pretend that the world you imagine is better than what you can dream of
If you can dream of a future that cares, genuinely takes care, of people and planet over mere profits and listen to the flow of fresh, clean water
If you can listen without judgment, without seeking solutions, just being present in the moment and being patient with yourself and those with you
If you can be patient at a time where extreme typhoons, drought and floods were just a far away projection and the hope that all of that was a thing of the past
If you can hope that today is the day we move towards protecting our big blue planet and finally appreciate the beauty of being different and alike in ways that support each other
If you can support this dream by making policies that work for, with and by the community, increasing communication, collaboration and consensus
If you can work today as a RAY Diversity Fellow, learning the skills, networking with leaders, building the tools and trusting the process
If you can trust yourself that you’re capable of having a seat at the table, using your voice and making yourself heard, negotiating a more fair and equitable future
If you can negotiate regional cooperative policies that facilitate protections for the diversity of marine life and write these treaties for the welfare of future generations
If you can write the right words for all to understand and plant the idea for a Pacific Islands Alliance that unites the Pacific in hope, tranquility and prosperity
If you can plant the seed for the next generation and grow a bountiful change to the way we think life should be
If you can think about the tough conversations, the impactful solutions and feel the voices of your ancestors
If you can feel that you did your best, beat whatever was holding you back, and rested along the way
If for whatever reason you wake up and feel lost
Remember that you can and you will
