Lambs in New Zealand, photo by Marie-Claire Holmes.
For Poetry Thursday, this poem was sparked by an article by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Vanity Fair's Green issue (May). The Bush administration has eliminated numerous protections for our air, water and land, rolling back some 400 (!) environmental-protection laws. Kennedy writes that nearly every government agency involved with the environment is run by men and women who once worked or lobbied for the same polluting industries (oil, gas and logging) their departments were designed to police.
Like lambs to the slaughter*
we follow the flock
even if the flock is headed
in the wrong direction
The path shouldn't be so rocky
if protections are kept in place
but they're being eroded
by men with smooth demeanors
that can't disguise their intent
to trample any impediment
to their grand designs of greed
at nature's expense
Careless disregard for environment
to them money before all else
drill for oil and the rich get richer
and the earth more fragile
Stop these nefarious efforts
It's our responsibility
future generations counting on us
to save what's left
* Jeremiah 51:40, The Bible
A very powerful poem!
Posted by: Carole | 01 August 2007 at 09:22
The words of a prophet mix hope with reality. There is always hope for the true prophet. Euguene Peterson speaks of writing in the way of the gospels, or the manner of the gospels. This reminds me of that. Beautiful and brave!
Posted by: suzanna | 31 July 2007 at 19:56
What a poignant pairing - this innocent lamb and your powerful poem - I hope we wake up before it's too late.
Posted by: tinker | 31 July 2007 at 01:34
http://www.myspace.com/rfk_jr_for_the_usa
http://rfkin2008.wordpress.com/
http://draftrfkjr.blogspot.com/
Posted by: RFK Jr. 2008 | 30 July 2007 at 06:27
Tara, once again you have used poetry to marvelous effect. Unfortunately, the "doomed feeling" you describe isn't limited only to our relationship with the environment, but reaches into many other aspects of life as well.
Posted by: Becca | 28 July 2007 at 01:29
It's not easy to write political poetry, but you do it very well.
Posted by: Tumblewords | 27 July 2007 at 21:48
Tara,
How are you? This comment isn't about your great post.
Blog Tag is going around and I was tagged last night.
I've tagged you now, I hope you don't mind, see my post today for rules.
Cheers.
Posted by: robyn | 27 July 2007 at 20:51
Bravo! Greed is usually the bottom line.
These lambs were so cute I really wanted to squeeze one. XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 27 July 2007 at 17:43
Right on!! Your poem is fantastic and totally speaks of the devastating path we are being led down right in front of our eyes. And I adore Robert Kenndy Jr. -- I wish he was president. The lambs in the photo are really sweet -- and are a perfect metaphor.
Posted by: Clare | 27 July 2007 at 17:09
Yes, I agree with your words entirely. I love those lambs in the photo too.
Posted by: Crafty Green Poet | 27 July 2007 at 08:52
I couldn't agree more. Thank you for writing this. Speaking against maddening and frustrating policies gives us all strength. And perhaps some will--power.
Posted by: ...deb | 27 July 2007 at 06:07
What a lovely, pristing photo--really helps to drive the message home when paired with your thought-provoking poem. Hear, hear!
Posted by: chicklegirl | 27 July 2007 at 04:15
Ah Tara. I feel so, stupid in your blogging presence. You make me want to learn more about my world. I love that you bring political issues to your blogging table for all of us to sample. Thank you for sharing!
Off now to read one of your recommendations, A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah, it is shaping up to be a real eye opener...thanks for sharing the book recommendations, just so you know, people do read it and take advantage as I have done.
xo
Blue
Posted by: Blue | 27 July 2007 at 02:14
Very powerfully written. The picture of the lambs in contrast to the issue at hand was a nice touch. Cheers.
Posted by: Mike | 26 July 2007 at 22:21
This comment arrived via email, as for some odd reason, Typepad is erroneously blocking certain IP addresses as spam:
Its official….I am a lurker at Paris Parfait! I have been ousted from commenting! I wonder why? Anyway your poetry Thursday “Like Lambs to Slaughter” sadly true. I live probably fifteen to twenty minutes from the border so I’ve always had a soft spot for the American people and their politics. Growing up my parents golfed in the States, and owned a summer trailer in Blaine and Custer. It’s just not the same America! I think everyone is just biding their time, for the new administration. Can you imagine though, having to clean up such an extreme disaster! It will literally take decades to repair the damage! I remember the dollar being this low for about two decades when I was young! Profound poetry Tara! A wake up call! The American news is very biased, scary how much propaganda they’re fed! Hmm…..I wonder if they notice.
Beautiful photos! I especially love weeping willows! That one entwined tree is visibly a desperate lover hanging on! Just like Americans! Hope you are well!
Hugs Sherrie
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 26 July 2007 at 21:14
so one lamb needs to look at another lamb...and say WHERE THE FUCK ARE WE GOING????"
You are the lamb who always askes those questions. I'd follow you gladly.
Posted by: wendy | 26 July 2007 at 19:42
how unbelievably sad-but-true this is. thanks for always speaking your mind about what's important to you. i'm certainly paying attention.
Posted by: leonie (chocolate covered musings) | 26 July 2007 at 19:38
Hi Tara,
I've nominated you for the Blogger Reflections Award (Annieelf nominated me.) Details are at http://bemusedmused.blogspot.com/2007/07/blogger-reflections-award.html and you can copy the award image off her link in that post.
~ Autrice
Posted by: Autrice | 26 July 2007 at 19:12
Your poetry always covers very important issues. Thats the beauty of it.
Posted by: gautami | 26 July 2007 at 18:43
You are good at capturing the truth...through words AND pictures....
Posted by: Marie | 26 July 2007 at 18:36
Everything's broken. How do we fix it for our grandchildren? I really don't know....We need three wishes. Or a magic wand. Or a whole lot of people with good sense, and enough power to make good things happen.
Posted by: pepektheassassin | 26 July 2007 at 18:20
Indeed "the earth is more fragile!" Tara again you get to the root with your powerfull thought provoking poetic words! Merci NG
Posted by: Naturegirl | 26 July 2007 at 18:05
Very strong poetic and eloquent:)
and lovely image to compliment the
gust of your words:)
Posted by: maddie | 26 July 2007 at 18:00
Hear, Hear.
Posted by: Colette | 26 July 2007 at 16:45
Tara,
I tip my top hat to you once more. You succeed in showing the truth through your words of prose. We are fattened with lie after lie.
Posted by: Brian | 26 July 2007 at 16:41
An apt verse from the Bible to begin this poem. Bush used his Christianity for such senseless gain. Very thought-provoking poem. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: R's Musings | 26 July 2007 at 15:45
i love your poetry, it moves me, makes me uncomfortable, shakes me from my apathy - gifted you are
Posted by: paul | 26 July 2007 at 15:17
Gosh, I don't even know what to say about this... it seems like such a hopeless situation until this guy is out of office. I am surprised he hasn't tried to make term limits into some kind of executive priviledge! I am staying because I said I am!
I'm depressed now...
but thanks for sharing this, Tara. I didn't know about this and I am ashamed to say that...
Posted by: Regina Clare Jane | 26 July 2007 at 15:11
"men with smooth demeanors"
Ain't that the truth? And it deludes people into thinking that what they say is right. I was always told to remember that liars are likeable-- it's part of their charm.
Posted by: ally bean | 26 July 2007 at 13:17
I really like how your poetry is present and addresses today. It's not an easy thing to do. Bravo.
Posted by: Rethabile | 26 July 2007 at 13:00