2016-2017 | Page 18

THE EARTH AND THE LITTLE ANTS Our planet, the Earth, which is in danger, seems to be the only planet that can support life for now. Although we are aware of this fact, why do we not care about our planet as much as we care about the things that have no benefits for nature? If we continue to damage nature and especially the source of nourishment, the Earth, we will face some serious and irremediable global issues. Human beings have been damaging nature for a long time. Now, we are trying to make up for the damage we have caused. Apparently, it took us a long time to realize our mistake. We have polluted the air, soil and streams. In a way, we have brought on our own demise and now we are complaining about the situation. It is we who have brought about deforestation and now with a sense of guilt, we are trying to raise consciousness about the environment. We have focused on simple problems without seeing the bigger picture. Not valuing our inheritance from our forefathers has created a vicious cycle. Everybody blames one another for the damage that we are all responsible for. The good news is that some of us have started taking action. For instance, we have come up with edible water bottles to replace the plastic ones. We have banned the use of plastic bags because we know that they are not biodegradable. We are trying to use “eco-friendly” products to save our one and only habitat. Yet, we are seeking remedies through artificial solutions. Eventually, we have succeeded at one thing; we have now seen the bigger picture. We support all environmental organizations. We think that we have done a good job. To some extent, yes, but making donations to these foundations does not mean that we have done what we are supposed to as individuals. In brief, do we really want to do something helpful and serious? If yes, why don’t we take immediate and valuable action? If we don’t want to nourish ourselves artificially, we should take our responsibilities seriously. Zeynep Ayça ŞENOL Prep-A DREADFUL DEATH Gloomy, desperate and somber, the ward was in the intensive care unit of the hospital in Erzurum. A typical hospital room was standing with the broken white walls before my eyes. The habitual smell of a hospital covered every corner of the room. It was resembling the odor of a corpse. An old lamp with the yellow light was hung from the ceiling. Its light was weak, so it was not strong enough to make the objects clear. The ceiling, which was supposed to be white, was yellowish, almost green. It had extensive cracks on it. On the right side of the room there was an old-fashioned TV set which had been located a long time ago. It was turned on and causing an annoying TV static sound. It was a kind of sound that was capable to nibble every person’s head who heard it. The bed was near the set and it was squeaking whenever the patient moved. On the bed, there was a pretty soft mattress, like cotton. The sick person was sleeping with a miserable expression, wrapped in the quilt. A heart monitor and an oxygen tank took the space on the left side of the bed with their characteristic sounds, like voices. There was an armchair across the bed. Although the armchair was a little old because of its years, it was quite comfortable. It was made of dark green leather and was shiny. The window was settled on the left wall of the room. It was a guide to show every hopeless patient real life. In the sky there were many clouds and they were praying for patients, and crying. The freezing wind was blowing from the open window toward the room. In front of the wet window frame, Doctor Cameron and Doctor House were talking about the situation of the patient. It was obvious that dreadful death was waiting to enter that cheerless room. Dilara SERÇEMELİ Prep-A 18 THE CLAPPER 2016 - 2017