© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved. The photo comes from the Provincial Archives of Alberta. I added the angel wings. (I can't seem to get away from angels!)
Here's the text:
Christmas Carol
All the birds this Christmas season
sing songs to us that beg for reason.
Hear them carol:
Peace ON the Earth.
Peace TO the Earth.
No time is left for teaching the song.
Why weren't you listening all along?
Tabatha at The Opposite of Indifference is hosting the Round-Up this week!
When, in some places, I see people still mindlessly throwing cans in the trash, & saying they don't re-cycle because it's too hard to take to the center, I know why so much continues to be in peril. And I'm not sure what to do except try to educate. This is sad, but sends a clear message, too, Diane. I love those first two lines.
ReplyDeleteEducation is always the key. Too bad political pandering has to be the first consideration in picking a new Secretary of Education.
DeleteDiane, I ask that question all the time. I love that you opened with the birds and how important it is to truly listen to all voices of this earth.
ReplyDeleteBirds, in my opinion, are compact miracles of song.
DeleteWe are the stewards of our fragile planet. Thank you for this plaintive reminder. Last two lines are quite powerful.
ReplyDeleteJust hope it's not too late...
DeleteSo poignant. Love the couplet.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joyce! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow?
DeleteSigh. I am distressed at the current direction things seem to be going... reading your words and knowing there are still folks fighting for the planet does bring some comfort. Thanks for being a voice for the birds today!
ReplyDeleteIf only people took the time to actually listen to birds' songs, they'd realize that there's so much at stake.
DeleteEnvironmentalists and advocates of nature are wondering what is happening to planet earth. Your poem sends out a cry for advocacy, Diane. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIn this present time, there is altogether too much that we need to advocate for.
DeleteWhy haven't we been listening all along? Keep at it, Diane. You are doing good in the world by sharing these beautiful words.
ReplyDeleteI will continue even if the cat is the only one listening.
DeleteWe've been given such a beautiful place to live. I do hope we can keep it that way with good stewardship. What an adorable photo.
ReplyDeleteI knew that it was the photo I needed to use the minute I found it on flickr.
DeleteI like those angel wings you added. Are you going to pick one little word for 2017? Your poem seems like it has a lot (reason, sing, peace, listen). I don't know why "reason" came to mind first!
ReplyDeleteHa, ha, one little word? Nope! I have a mouthful of words (and some that have already slipped out).
DeletePoignant.
ReplyDeleteEspecially when you consider how the earth has fared since the photo was taken a century ago.
DeleteI dunno--I think this is a LITTLE didactic in a very good way. My class has been trying to wrap their heads around how what we do in our classroom can help protect the coral reef that we've been learning about.
ReplyDeleteKeep telling your class that their little voices combined can and will be heard.
DeleteGorgeous image paired with lovely poetry. Thanks so much for sharing this!
ReplyDelete