A flash of red as I pass a bush;
a cola lid tries to avoid detection.
In trees overhead, plastic bag cockatoos
sit on highest boughs avoiding collection.
Empty packets of chocolate and chips
scatter along side the path I walk
while rustling papers play without fear
of the litter-man and his two-pronged fork.
I feel the onus to capture and dispose
but the dent I’d make would be rather small.
Perhaps if we all thought about it more
then the true wildlife would again have it all.
Comments
Silver Spun Sand | January 12, 2010 - 09:01
Well said, Dynamso...I think most of us can identify with this.
As to the poem itself, I like the title and the imagery which works well, especially in the opening line when I was expecting to read on about a 'robin' and not a 'greater spotted cola lid'. Rare birds these, indeed;-)
Tina
kheldar | January 12, 2010 - 09:59
A clever juxtaposition and a reminder to litter louts everywhere ... BIN IT!!!!
shoe | January 12, 2010 - 10:22
"plastic bag cockatoos" I will never look at plastic bags in the same way again!:~}
insertponceyfre... | January 12, 2010 - 10:59
I liked this very much
In my mind, David Attenborough was reading it - really, who else could?
Dynamaso | January 13, 2010 - 06:32
Tina, thanks, glad you liked it. I wanted to mention the 'Mulletted Rubbish Spreader' as well, but he (or she) proved particularly elusive.
Kheldar, thanks for reading. I wish the sentiment could be disseminated widely. The way some people treat the world is disgusting.
Shoe, thanks.
Insertponceyfre... yes, of course Sir David shoud read it. Glad you enjoyed this.
MistakenMagic | January 13, 2010 - 21:41
'In trees overhead, plastic bag cockatoos
sit on highest boughs avoiding collection.'
- love these two lines, Dynamaso. Brilliant poem!
Magic xxx
Dynamaso | January 13, 2010 - 21:45
Magic, thanks very much. Seems as though 'plastic bag cockatoos' are popular.
threeleafshamrock | January 13, 2010 - 23:18
Hey D. Like this one mate, because it's so bloody true. In this country, we have a lot of wire fences, which are just perfect for catching and displaying the plastic bags and crap that are dumped all over the place. Even massive fines don't seem to deter.
Our main industry is tourism...sometimes I just fucking despair - honestly. Nice one, well done.
Chris ;)
SteveM | January 14, 2010 - 12:30
Everyone has said nearly everything about this well observed piece, but plastic bag cockatoos sums it up nicely.
Steve
p.s. my pc crashed a few mins ago and may have left 2 messages on your welcome back message.
Dynamaso | January 17, 2010 - 04:09
Chris, we also have a lot of wire fences and the same things happens. But 'Wildlife' was inspired by a walk through what is supposedly a national park. I couldn't believe the amount of rubbish strewn about the place and it could only be from visitors to the place. Like you, I despair...
Steve, thanks very much, mate. I will dash across to my welcome back and respond accordingly.