Poetry About Conservation

Survey flags tremble beside the marsh. A bittern lifts from reeds the maps call empty. Volunteers kneel with seedlings in the mud. They mend one bank against a century of taking. The work is slow enough to resemble hope. By dusk, frogs answer from the guarded water.

The scene turns slowly in another light. Volunteers kneel with seedlings in the mud. Edges soften while the question sharpens. The work is slow enough to resemble hope. Nothing is solved by looking away. By dusk, frogs answer from the guarded water.

Survey flags tremble beside the marsh. Hours pass, but the image does not leave. Volunteers kneel with seedlings in the mud. It returns us to habitats, species, stewardship, restoration, limits, and protecting what cannot speak for itself. The work is slow enough to resemble hope. The day continues with a more attentive heart.