Out in Jamaica Bay
air traffic of no traffic light
has claimed many a feathered child
I heard on the news today
their bodies lay still on the ground
because mankind desires to fly
Before the air had crossroads and lines
they could soar lightly and freely
over the expanse of oceans
from all corners of the globe
Now they move fearfully
and cautiously
on their migratory road
lest they get in the way
and death marries their fate
Now some never make it home
those still left see their kins' souls
nest eggs and orphaned infants
from above, taken from the skies
They made way for bird machines
with engines for bosoms
whence man's concrete
shall not break stride
They lay still on the ground
At their arrival nature used to sing
now the universe frowns
I heard on the news today,
their bodies lay still on the ground
So wanting to fly
unkind mankind's envy
shot them down
-
Author:
Garth Rakumakoe (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: November 8th, 2021 05:23
- Comment from author about the poem: This poem was inspired by an old article I came across that basically highlights man's constant conflict with nature and the ecosystem. I found it quite heart wrenching, and thought provoking. I don't know what the Bay's status quo is today, but this piece was basically a reflection of my deliberations, or observations on the article concerned: https://www.nytimes.com/1994/10/16/nyregion/neighborhood-report-jamaica-bay-forging-peace-between-birds-airplanes-kennedy.html
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 37
Offline)
Comments5
A Case of 'All is OK, until man turns up and mucks it up' Doh!
Unfortunately.
I don't think we're long for this world so it will heal without us...........Chernobyl did...... the animals are thriving in spite of radiation. Your poem is beautifully done.....
Thank you Lorna, for taking the time to lend a writer's mind as well. It is much appreciated. 🙂
A sad tale indeed. But there's a message one can read apart from the obvious one.
The birds will not learn as a species to avoid flight paths, they will persist in their instinctive behaviour and perish, maybe to extinction.
Let us apply that to humanity and it's environment dilemma. Shall we learn and adapt or pursue our greedy instinct to it's inevitable end?
Very good question, fellow writer.
an important write!
anything to reduce
our custom built cocoon of indifference
is a welcome, opportunity for personal growth
for those, who take the opportunity to heed
the wisdom in such insightful, poetry..
thank you! for choosing to share dear poet
Thank you for your time and valuable outlook. Much appreciated.
Is there nothing man won't consume.
Got a feeling, Mother nature is getting a bit sick of us now.
You can say that again Paul.
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