Your Letters

This month, a reader submits two photos to Nature Canada and another shares her poetry.

Subject: Photo submission for e-cards

Not sure what the criteria are for submissions - here are a couple I took in the summer.  One of flickers just before they fledged (in our backyard) and one of the Tombstone Mountains.

Chris Beers, received via email

Thank you for the photos Chris, both were beautiful! Watch for them in upcoming Photos of the Month or e-Card images. If any of our other readers have photos they would like to donate to Nature Canada, here's what to do: email the photo with a brief description, including where and when the photo was taken to tknox@naturecanada.ca. We will confirm that we have received the email and let you know if we plan to use it. We use photos many different ways, including e-Cards, photo of the month and on our web site.

We are always looking for new and exciting images of nature and wildlife, so get snapping!

Subject: Nature poetry

I'm sending you my environmental poems that I wrote. I hope you enjoy them.

Deb Mack, received via email

THE TREE

I wake up to the sounds of singing
The chattering and scurrying going on up above
The sun shinning its warmth on me
The wind blowing parts of me away
I shade those who wish shade
I offer beauty to those who appreciate nature
I provide protection from the elements,
and give off oxygen, so living creatures may breathe
I am home to many small animals
I am home for a child’s special hiding place
I have heard and seen many things, for I have lived a long time            
And if time permits and progress does not tear me down
I will hear, see, and be enjoyed
For a long while more

OUT OF VIEW

Oh, Mr. Eagle, I envy you
Soaring so high, enjoying the view
The vast beauty that you can see
Sky, lakes, prairies and trees
Please tell me what you see, that’s out of view to me

Oh, Mr. Man, don’t envy me
Open your eyes, you too will see
God’s creatures are crying in pain
“Sky, stop pouring down the acid rain”
No where to hide, when it’s raining outside

Oh, Mr. Eagle, I envy you
Soaring so high, enjoying the view
The vast beauty that you can see
Lakes, prairies and forest of trees
Please tell me what you see, that’s out of view to me

Oh, Mr. Man, don’t envy me
Open your eyes, you too will see
Fresh water for animals, and the human race
Is covered with oil spills and toxic waste
Be careful where you swim, watch what you drink

Oh, Mr. Eagle, I envy you
Soaring so high, enjoying the view
The vast beauty that you can see
Prairies and forests of trees
Please tell me what you see, that’s out of view to me

Oh, Mr. Man, don’t envy me
Open your eyes, you too will see
The farmer’s fields, have become drought dry
Could a greenhouse effect, be the reason why?
Watch out for the ultraviolet rays…ultraviolet rays

Oh, Mr. Eagle, I envy you
Soaring so high, enjoying the view
The vast beauty that you can see
Forests filled with trees
Please tell me what you see, that’s out of view to me

Oh, Mr. Man, don’t envy me
Open your eyes, you too will see
Your wilderness forest, and camping spots
Have progressed to condos, and parking lots
No where to breathe, to run wild and feel free

Oh, Mr. Eagle, I do thank-you
For your eagle eye, and mountain view
Change our ways, or this is our fate
Protect our environment, before it’s too late
You opened up my eyes to see; now it’s up to me

Thank you for your lovely poetry Deb. If you have a poem you would like to submit please email them to tknox@naturecanada.ca

Questions? Comments? Send your letters to Nature Canada at info@naturecanada.ca.