Creative Writing Awards 2024: “Whispers of Change: A Solitary Voice in the Tech Tide” by Yosra Raziani

The 21st annual Creative Writing Awards (cwa) were held on April 24, 2024, a celebration of the liberal arts deeply embedded in the science and clinical practice of the Yale Cchool of Nursing (YSN) community. After a keynote speech by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Pam Belluck, each of the three winners read their work aloud. Three honorable mentions were also saluted.

Whispers of Change: A Solitary Voice in the Tech Tide

by Yosra Raziani ‘29 PhD

This poem is born from my experiences at a global health research conference in Japan. It reflects a troubling observation: as technological advancements surge forward, they often overlook the needs of the poor, widening the socioeconomic gap. I challenged the innovators to consider the plight of underserved communities—those in remote areas without internet access—and to design technologies that cater to their needs, not just to the affluent in technologically advanced societies. It’s a call for technology with a heart, one that reaches out to all, regardless of their economic standing.

In Tokyo’s heart, where futures are spun,

A conference convened, second to none.

‘Global Health Research’—the grand marquee,

Where AI and minds blend, in a tech-spree.

Students took the stage, their brilliance unfurled,

Inventions at hand, to change the world.

Applause thundered through, a joyous cascade,

For every breakthrough and progress made.

Yet in that crowd, one soul stood apart,

Amidst the clapping, an untouched heart.

AI-driven marvels, medical robots on display,

Cutting-edge technologies that could lead the way.

Applause echoed, a symphony of acclaim,

For every mind-blowing feat, they had a name.

Yet in that sea of wonder, a lone figure stood still,

Unmoved by the spectacle, against the collective thrill.

That was me, the outlier in this jubilant fest,

With a heart heavy, thoughts in a silent protest.

The presenter’s voice rang, “Any questions to be heard?”

Gratitude filled the room, but I had not a word.

My hand rose, amidst the sea of content faces,

A microphone found me, as I stood in my traces.

“Have you ever lived where clean water is a dream?

Where shelter is scarce, and technology’s gleam

Does not reach the eyes of those in need?

Where the concept of AI is a foreign seed?

Do you think the poor can afford these devices?

Or are we widening gaps, deepening the crises?

Are we truly improving health on a global scale?

Or just serving the rich, as the needy’s hopes pale?”

 My voice trembled, a tear threatened to break,

The hall fell silent, the mood did shake.

I questioned the purpose, the intent behind our aim,

To ensure health for all, not just wealth’s claim.

A silence ensued, heavy and profound,

No answers came, no reasoning sound.

The disparity in health, a truth too raw,

In that moment of stillness, it was all I saw.

Everyone was silent, but one voice did not yield,

That was me, in the quiet of the field.

Asking for inclusivity in our inventive spree,

For a future where health equity is the key.   

Read More CWA 2024 Winners 

For a complete list of previous CWA winners, please visit Past Creative Writing Awards.