Poem No.4
That Scrubby Patch!
Why chop down that scrubby patch?
Where infant trees, in a protective mess
Sprouted, and insects hid.
Where butterflies and bees once fed
On blooms and blossoms hidden inside.
Birds pecked and rustled among fallen leaves
Seeking grubs and worms and hidden seeds.
Where they could have built protected nests
Raised their chicks to fill the skies
With melodies sublime, bringing joy
And peacefulness. But that patch has gone.
And it matters for the planet. It matters for us.
Why chop down that scrubby patch?
It sheltered the ground and kept it cool
Where roots absorbed water and the soil stayed moist.
Now only bare, dry earth where plants once rejoiced.
Now river banks will wash away
And cause more flooding way downstream
Resulting in less of our precious soil
Upon which all life on Earth depends.
They clear this patch of lifegiving pleasure
To what end? It's frightening. Beyond all measure.
Consequently......
No insects, vital insects, no bees buzz.
Butterflies, colour, birdsong gone.
No growing, grazing, rotting or feeding
That precious lifegiving soil washed away.
Why, why oh why?
Will we save our marvellous planet this way?