A Pearl of Blue and White —
Down on that planet below —
Down on that planet of swirling white,
A blue sphere that spins in the night,
Dancing and twirling among starlight.
Down there where mountains drape —
Where rivers wind like threads of blue,
Where clouds roll like a veil of mist,
Across great plains and vast oceans.
Down there where the forest girdles green —
Where clouds bloom like great flowers,
Where sunlight shines on fields of gold —
On many species new and old.
Down there where sunlight reflects —
In the oceans, lakes and ice,
Where clouds are migrating leisurely —
Like flocks of birds flying slowly.
Down there in the thinnest layer of life —
Billions of hearts beat with wondrous life.
Where animals run and flowers bloom,
Where fish swim and birds fly.
Down there where my family now reside —
My parents who gave me this special life,
Supportive brothers who guided me,
And caring sisters who are kind to me.
Up here — I orbit in space,
Looking down on wondrous sights.
Although there is much suffering,
I know there is also great beauty.
Brothers and sisters please stop your fight!
Don’t destroy and pollute this precious planet.
Come up here and see things in a different light —
A world without any borders or divisions.
We are this amazing shining planet,
We are this life-giving atmosphere,
We are the energy that flows in all things,
We are this wondrous web of amazing!
When you are angry — come up here,
When you are unhappy — come up here,
Look at this pearl of blue and white —
Remember this planet shining bright!
— Luan V Dinh