The speaker represents a communal consciousness, specifically the voice of Native American individuals and colonized peoples. Rather than participating in geopolitical conflicts, they focus on domestic survival. They cook rice and potatoes, feed babies, and make music. They possess a deep connection to nature and rely on the wisdom of trees and birds to understand global events.

The natural world is personified as both a wise entity and a mother preparing to give birth. She provides sweetgrasses, food, and stability despite human violence. Even after cataclysmic destruction, she continues to nurture life and inspire new art. The speaker views her as the ultimate source of knowledge and endurance.

These two men represent wealthy oil tycoons extracting fossil fuels for profit. Their actions symbolize the capitalist systems and greed that exploit the environment. Their pursuit of power and resources ultimately triggers the geopolitical blowback that consumes them.

A mythological monster made of fire, oil, and fear that destroys the towers. It personifies the geopolitical consequences of empire-building, military intervention, and terrorism. The creature acts as a destructive force born directly from the greed of modern industrial society.

A political leader who the speaker claims stole his way into power. He responds to the disaster with a desire for military retaliation and domination over the earth. He serves as a direct contrast to the peaceful, domestic actions of the everyday citizens.

A group of animals that possess a superior vantage point compared to human politicians. Because they fly high above the harbor, they observe the military buildup and sense the shifting magnetic fields. They pass their warnings on to those who know how to listen to nature.

Early European settlers who brought their religion and culture to the occupied island. Their historical arrival marks the beginning of cultural encroachment that eventually spiraled into centuries of global conflict and division.