This article explores Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner’s powerful speech poem, “Dear Matafele Peinem,” delivered at the 2014 UN Climate Summit. The poem, addressed to her infant daughter, serves as both a lullaby and a potent call to action against climate change, highlighting the threat it poses to island nations.
The poem opens with a tender address to Matafele Peinem, describing her innocent joy and the simple pleasures of their life by the lagoon. This image of idyllic island life quickly contrasts with the looming threat of rising sea levels, predicted to consume their homeland. Jetñil-Kijiner evokes the fear of displacement, imagining her daughter and granddaughter wandering “rootless / with only a passport to call home.”
This poignant image underscores the urgency of the climate crisis for island nations. The poem transitions from a personal plea to a broader indictment of those who deny or ignore the reality of climate change. Jetñil-Kijiner calls out “greedy whale[s] of compan[ies]” and “blindfolded bureaucracies” for their role in the impending environmental catastrophe.
She offers a powerful apology to those already displaced—the Carteret Islanders of Papua New Guinea and the Taro Islanders of the Solomon Islands—acknowledging the injustice they have faced. This apology serves as a turning point in the poem, shifting from lament to a declaration of resistance.
The poem builds momentum as Jetñil-Kijiner describes the growing global movement for climate action. She evokes images of “canoes blocking coal ships,” “solar villages,” and “petitions blooming from teenage fingertips,” showcasing the diverse forms of resistance emerging worldwide.
“Dear Matafele Peinem” is not just a poem; it’s a rallying cry. Jetñil-Kijiner emphasizes the collective nature of the fight, uniting individuals, communities, and nations against a common threat. The poem highlights the power of collective action, emphasizing that “we are spreading the word” and “marching for change NOW.”
The poem concludes with a return to the personal, as Jetñil-Kijiner soothes her daughter to sleep. This final image, though tender, carries the weight of the preceding message. The promise to fight for a better future is not just for her daughter, but for all future generations. The lullaby becomes a vow: “we won’t let you down.”
“Dear Matafele Peinem” is a powerful example of a speech poem, effectively combining personal narrative with political urgency. It showcases the emotional impact of climate change, particularly on vulnerable communities, while inspiring hope through collective action. Jetñil-Kijiner’s poem serves as a reminder that the fight for climate justice is a fight for the future, a fight for our children and the world they will inherit.