Thursday, November 19, 2020

If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth

If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth is a science fiction short story by Arthur C. Clarke. You can read it online here. It begins,
When Marvin was ten years old, his father took him through the long, echoing corridors that led up through Administration and Power, until at last they came to the uppermost levels of all and were among the swiftly growing vegetation of the Farmlands. Marvin liked it here: it was fun watching the great, slender plants creeping with almost visible eagerness toward the sunlight as it filtered down through the plastic domes to meet them. The smell of life was everywhere, awakening inexpressible longings in his heart: no longer was he breathing the dry, cool air of the residential levels, purged of all smells but the faint tang of ozone. He wished he could stay here for a little while, but Father would not let him. They went onward until they had reached the entrance to the Observatory, which he had never visited: but they did not stop, and Marvin knew with a sense of rising excitement that there could be only one goal left. For the first time in his life, he was going Outside. 
...

14 comments:

  1. ...too many of us forget how precious the earth is.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Written a long time ago, but still applicable today

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. His science knowledge made his work more lasting, I think.

      Delete
  3. I do believe Mr. M. has this in his library. I really like A.C.C. Enjoy your day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He was one of the first science fiction authors I ever read.

      Delete
  4. I like his descriptive writing.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm running behind tonight and want to watch more of the Crown. But that photo of the earth is a classic beauty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was glad to've found this photo :)

      Delete
  6. Some stories are always new.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's amazing how this story isn't the least bit dated.

      Delete
  7. The photo is beautiful and it sounds like a great read too! Take care 😀. Hugs, Jo x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I enjoy looking for photos to use for the book posts :)

      Delete