Today's poem is by Erika Meitner

that has been entrusted to us
       

nests built by 176 different bird species were found to contain
manufactured human detritus: plastic bags, cloth straps, fishing line,
paper towels, dental floss, rubber bands, cigarette butts, windshield
wipers, sunglasses, plastic carnations, condoms, and envelopes used
to package cocaine

the birds are maybe just searching the world for a more authentic past
the sum of the items does not constitute the work or determine its aesthetics

an article in the paper today—"A New Summer Camp Activity:
Dealing with Extreme Weather"

there will still be snack
there will still be buddy check at free swim
but also torrential rains
deadly heat waves
nearly 900 wildfires in Canada
darkening the skies and making
the air dangerous to breathe

on the radio the ocean in Miami is described as steamy syrup
on the radio scientists say they recorded what were likely
Earth's hottest days in modern history

that deep-end whistle for thunder in the distance

on the importance of natural disasters, the artists say
the land is not the setting for the work but a part of the work

it is ultimately impossible for the spectator
to fully perceive the scope all at once—
it is just on the threshold of visibility

Everyone out of the water!
We are not dead altogether!

Copyright © 2024 Erika Meitner All rights reserved
from AGNI
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission