Let the Birds Thrive

I heard of a wetland

Not far from home,

I rode my bicycle,

along the dusty slope road.

I walked along

the encelia, willow, pickleweed,

to be surprised

with avian abundance.

It was winter—

there were thousands of birds,

of diverse feathers.

Gulls perched on sandbars—

what a spectacle it was!

It made my day!

A huge community,

thriving in this era

where land, water, and air

are all contaminated.

Each critter has a role

in ecological balance.

We must not forget:

Human mistakes

can set off

a domino effect

that will cost us dearly.

Let’s protect our wildlife,

and all the resources

they need to survive.

Let the birds

return year after year.

It’s care for our planet—

and for ourselves.