Welcome to Poetry Friday, this week hosted by poet Amy Ludwig Vanderwater at her blog The Poem Farm at http://thepoemfarm@amylv.com. Thank you, Amy for hosting!
Over the summer, Linda Baie sent me a packet of words. Today I spilled them out and chose one.
I often visit one of my favorite parks by Skaneateles Lake, a Finger Lakes here in Central New York. It was ninety degrees there this week, and I found a cool spot under a large tree. It is well known that lakes, the rivers and wetlands work as heat sinks. They cool the environment and make it possible for us to live on Earth.
Skaneateles Lake in New York
Recently, according to the Associated Press, the Supreme Court is removing some wetland protections from development and pollution. You can read it here: https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-wetlands-development-biden-fe976e69bb24c937aabdf0e2868cb5f3
The decision will make it easier to develop wetlands that help protect us from the heat. There are those who are for and others against this. What do you think? It seems short sighted to see any wetland as dispensable.
So, I for my poem, from Linda’s packet of words, I chose the word “earth.” It’s simple but I don’t find taking sides on this issue difficult.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH THE WETLANDS IN 2023? Boggy wetlands, rushing streams, flowing rivers, deep dark lakes. Why not celebrate and give a wide berth to these keepers of Planet Earth? © Janice Scully 2023
I am for the less expedient but longer lasting benefit to us all…protect those wetlands. Because, “us all” also includes so many animals, insects as well as plants. I was looking at your picture of words…so many good choices. I think that “earth” is an excellent place to start.
Wetlands give us so much. I find it sad that someone wants to give permission for easier removal, Janice. Thanks for the term, heat sinks, a new one to me. “give a wide berth” feels just right to me. Glad you found a word for you this time!
Lovely poem and pic Janice, and insightful too! To me there’s only one answer to the question you pose, we all need the wetlands the earth, critters, and especially us humans–Hope we can help promote saving more of our wetlands, thanks for shining light on them!
Janet, first of all, thank you for the term “heat sinks”. I never heard of that before. Skaneateles Lake and its quaint town are a beautiful gift of nature. I often think of the lake and wish to go back and gaze out from the gazebo. Your post brings up an important issue and I am glad Linda B’s word prompt poem swap sprouts new poems throughout the year. Starting with the word earth is a very good place to begin your word journey.
Janice, yes, protect those wetlands, for sure! I drove up to Rochester (from southern CT) for a funeral this summer, and was amazed, as always, by how beautiful upstate New York is. Just so green and pretty, especially with all those lakes and even the Erie Canal!