How the Wind Makes a Change

By Stella Donovan-Kiehl Grade 7

As the wind whistled outside my
bedroom window, I began to think of all
the other places the wind flows through.
I thought of deserts, the whooshing air
carrying sand dunes with men on camels.
I thought of the ocean, the salty waves
jumping into the air toward a cloudy sky.
When I touched the window again, it felt
cold and moist. I was intrigued,
wondering how the window could be cold
yet still protect the warmth of my room.

As silly as it might sound, these
thoughts reminded me of something
political and controversial. While thinking
about deserts, I’d assumed that only men
would be riding the camels. I’d never
questioned whether the ocean skies would
be cloudy or not – I’d just believed so,
picturing the wind circling above and
clouds no light could shine through. I
thought back to my protective window
then, curious to know if there was a way I
could somehow give all the cold creatures
on the outside warmth as well.

The questions I’d had about my
window were the same kind I’d had about
the wall being built on the U.S.-Mexico
border. The questions I’d had about my
window were the same kind I’d had about
the clouds over the ocean. Why can’t we
see light above the clouds? Why can’t we
share our warmth? Why is there a wall in
the middle of all that? Why can’t we share
love, positivity, joy, support, and equality
throughout the world? Let’s share, give
back, and make the world better.