'Dripping Tap' - a poem celebrating climate action by Carla Doran

Greener Berwick members recently attended the Friends of the Earth North East Gathering at Baltic, Gateshead.

During the event, Regional Campaign Organiser Carla Doran shared the poem Dripping Tap, celebrating the many ways communities across the North East are taking positive action for the environment. With Carla's permission, we're pleased to share it below:

Dripping Tap

From water testing on the Tweed, to die off on the Tees,
Bathing water status in Amble and campaigning for the rights of refugees.
Before I start, it's important to say that there's just too much happening to even begin to read, half of what's been done,
So this poem is just for fun.

Alnwick's What a Wonderful World bringing together nature and art,
Communicating climate change, where the councils have torn the plan apart.
Fighting airport expansion wherever we can,
Distributing food parcels and feeding into your local plan.

Protecting renters' rights, divesting pension pots,
Meetings upon meetings, and loads of allotment plots.
Stopping incineration across the whole of the North East,
Connecting struggles of climate and peace, and somehow managing to still meet with your MPs.

Setting up new groups and building trust, campaigning for the electric bus,
Blossom picnics in Wallsend, stalls popping round every bend.
Planting trees, saving bees, making a million cups of tea to sustain all of your energy.

Repair cafes creating new conversations and transforming waste across the nation,
A huge amount of protesting, loads of visiting schools,
Teaching the future generations about tipping points and organising tools.
Creating clean air zones and championing creatures big and small.

Lynx in Kielder, protecting our seas, fighting planning applications, planting tonnes of trees.
No wonder it's hard to please everyone and feel like the job is done.
But that's not the aim of this. It's not all on you.
It's about connecting people and offering another point of view.

Take a moment to breathe and reflect on just a tiny snippet of what you achieve.
A group member once told me, being part of this movement feels like a dripping tap —
You might not notice the water, until we drip together and fill the bath.

Imagine if you saw someone else doing just half of what you do,
You would be so grateful, and that's what we feel for you.
Imagine how powerful you would be if you could feel it for yourself.

So take a little moment and absorb that in.
Be thankful for all the energy you put in.
Because you feeling good is what it takes to win.

Thank you for keeping on going, my friend,
For the passion, knowledge and time you lend.
And just whilst we are here, it's fine to take a break,
May you allow things to ebb and flow like the tides — so enjoy the ride.

You being happy is a magnet for change. 💛
We can't bring people with us if we look like we're having a rubbish time,
So if there is anything you take from this rhyme,
Remember what makes your heart sing — it's always a good place to begin.

Carla Doran