A Child Asks
Please tell me teacher what its like
To watch a swallow in its flight
Or to see an eagle soar so high
It fades into a cloudless sky.
Please tell me about a country road
Along whose waysides wildflowers grow
Or can you tell me why lichens die
Just because we pollute the sky.
Describe to me a field of green
With crystal dew drops reflecting the sun's gleam
I've heard the elm tree was a majestic thing
That reached further skyward every spring.
What was a picnic? Were they easy to hold?
The parking lot's pavement is to hot or too cold
Was there ever a place a child could look
Into the bottom of a clear mountain brook?
Did ever wild animals live, not in a cage
Please teacher tell me of that other age
Tell me about the love affair
Between the butterflies,
the flowers and clean fresh air.
You'll have to tell me, teacher
Because I can't see
None of these things
are left for me.
by Clifford A. Phaneuf
Environmental Educator
Lovely photo, very sad poem.
ReplyDeleteI have such difficulty letting go of the mountains.
This speaks of that to me,
When another one is removed.
And each one had a name.
Very touching.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and a little frightening. We work very hard in Maine to preserve the environment. I realize many states are not as progressive, but we will not give up. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMy husband is a Montanan from Flathead Reservation and absolutely loves all your photos! I do too, of course, and we miss seeing wildlife here in IN. Thanks
ReplyDelete<3 You have such a beautiful place to call home. Such a blessing!
ReplyDelete