Gorilla's Dream: A Young Voice for the Wild

Have you ever heard a gorilla's dream?

A 12-year-old girl did—and she turned it into a poem that will move your heart.

“To live in this world, why do I have to scream?”

These are the haunting words of a gentle giant, caught between survival and extinction. Written with innocence, yet echoing wisdom beyond her years, Gorilla’s Dream is a poetic plea from the wild.

Read how a child’s voice is awakening adults to protect what’s left of our forests—and the souls who call them home.

In a world where the voices of the wild often go unheard, a poem written by a 12-year-old girl stands out as a gentle yet powerful cry for awareness. "Gorilla's Dream," penned four years ago, reflects a deep empathy for nature and a mature understanding of the environmental challenges facing our planet. Through the innocent yet insightful lens of a child, the poem invites us to see the world through the eyes of a gorilla—one that longs for freedom, peace, and protection.

Gorilla’s Dream

Oh, to be free, is my only dream,

To live in this world, why do I have to scream?

I am a herbivore who likes to be in a tropical forest,

I love to hang around with my troop and go on a feast like a guest.

I am very strong but can't run for long,

I enjoy pounding my chest, whether angry or calm.

My favorite food is root and shoot,

But deforestation is making me sad and mute.

Trees are my friends, and I am an intelligent mammal,

Cutting down trees makes me feel like a camel in the desert—so dismal.

Habitat destruction and poaching are my biggest fears,

Thanks to UNESCO and World Life Federation for their love and care.

By Gunseerat Kaur a 12-year-old girl (written 4 years ago)

Child's Vision, A Universal Message. What makes "Gorilla's Dream" truly special is the perspective from which it's written. The young poet channels the voice of a gorilla, a creature both mighty and misunderstood, to explore themes of deforestation, habitat loss, and the importance of conservation. Despite the simplicity of the language, the poem carries a message that resonates with readers of all ages: nature is in danger, and it’s up to us to help.

There’s something incredibly poignant about a young mind articulating such a powerful environmental truth. It reminds us that children often see things more clearly without filters, without apathy. The gorilla becomes a symbol not just of strength, but of silent suffering. Its dream isn’t about dominance or conquest - it’s about coexistence, harmony, and survival.

The Emotional Core Lines, like "To live in this world, why do I have to scream?" and "Cutting down trees makes me feel like a camel in the desert", reveal the emotional depth of the piece. They express not only the pain of displacement but also the confusion and fear experienced by animals as their habitats are destroyed. These lines stir a sense of empathy and responsibility in the reader, making the message all the more impactful.

By evoking the image of a gorilla who pounds its chest in joy or sorrow, the poet cleverly blurs the lines between human and animal emotions. We recognize ourselves in that expression—we, too, yearn for connection, for peace, for a place to belong.

The Harsh Reality of Habitat Destruction. The poem speaks directly to two major threats faced by gorillas today: deforestation and poaching. These aren’t abstract issues—they are everyday realities for many species. Forests are being cleared for agriculture, mining, and urban development at an alarming rate. Every tree cut down is a home lost, a family torn apart, a step closer to extinction.

Poaching adds to this trauma. Whether for bushmeat or illegal trade, gorillas face danger not only from environmental degradation but from direct human violence. These animals, who share over 98% of our DNA, are being hunted for profit. It’s a stark reminder that greed continues to overshadow compassion.

Highlighting Conservation Efforts The poem also acknowledges organizations like UNESCO and the World Wildlife Federation, showing that even at a young age, the writer recognizes the importance of global conservation efforts. This mention adds a hopeful note to the poem—while the threats are real, there are people and organizations working tirelessly to protect the planet’s precious wildlife.

By including them, the young poet infuses her work with a sense of hope and gratitude. It’s an affirmation that help is out there, and every act of kindness matters.

These organizations work tirelessly to protect habitats, rehabilitate injured animals, and educate communities about coexistence. They lobby for policy changes, run breeding programs, and create sanctuaries that offer gorillas a second chance. The poem, in its innocent way, thanks these unsung heroes and inspires us to support their mission.

A Call to Reflect and Act "Gorilla's Dream" is not just a poem; it’s a call to reflect and act. It reminds us that every creature, no matter how strong or silent, dreams of a life where they can thrive without fear. And sometimes, the most powerful messages come not from experts or activists, but from the pure, compassionate heart of a child.

Let this poem be a mirror—a reflection of the world we are creating and a prompt to do better. Let it inspire us to talk to our children about the environment, to choose sustainable options, to support conservation initiatives, and to stand up against exploitation of all forms.

Conclusion, as we read and share this heartfelt poem, let us also carry forward its message. Let us teach our children to care, support conservation efforts, and work toward a future where the dreams of gorillas—and all wildlife—are no longer dreams, but reality.

Each "Gorilla’s Dream" is a whisper from the wild, a plea wrapped in poetry. It reminds us that every voice matters, especially the ones we rarely hear. May we listen closely and act wisely for the sake of the gorillas, the forests, and future generations who will one day call this planet home.

CALL TO ACTION

Inspired by this poem?

Share it with others and support wildlife conservation. Every voice counts—no matter how small.”