Real Polar Opposites

An earlier part, Part 1 — Polar Opposites published December 2022 — covers a pair of friends who both want to make a difference. This part, Part 2, covers a different pair who cannot agree on anything. I have been playing around with lyrics on the concept of polar opposites (see last post) - this time choosing a different antagonist for contrast. This second version was inspired by a person I encountered when hiking in Patagonia in South America a few years ago. Highlighting how creatively a single idea can generate a range of work and a common thread of language can be used to present very different perspectives. Compare to the previous version to see that change.

 
Summers vs Winters

She was reminded when they first met hiking in Patagonia

of how summers back home in Australia swelted hotter every year.

He recalled the peaks of surrounding snow in his north American base

paired with blistering blizzards in winter storms had always been harsh.

Birds vs Insects

On their second agreed encounter joining to walk the Yukon trail

she noticed dwindling birdlife since her last carbon-neutral flight there.

He obliviously complained about the plethora of insects barely noticing

there were fewer natural predators to keep the plague at bay.

Temperance vs Greed

On their third discourse meandering Milford Sound and nearby glaciers

she lamented standing on melting ice that groundswell action was needed.

He laughed at her naivety saying a “tragedy” of the commons — a “problem”

would never be solved as long as individual incentives drove profit.

Science vs Faith

On their fourth jaunt to wander Camino de Santiago the Way of St James

she asked why he put faith in propaganda with firestorms raging wild.

He responded with a question asking why she put her trust in science

arguing extreme weather constancy in history and civilisations lost before.

Darkness vs Light

As they walked to soak in their dwindling breath taking surroundings

Both related to the ups and downs of the planet around them

and the humanity under their skin and flowing through their veins

clutching at gratitude to fuel some semblance of optimism.

What if vs What is

Being poles apart only she accepted the disintegrating world needed repair

before it was too late and she longed to make a difference.

He saw no value in striving for what could be for future generations

preferring to ground himself selfishly in the here and now.