Sunday, December 4, 2022

Harns Marsh December 4, 2022

Saturday, December 3, 2022

an untenable position

The storm surges from Ian and Nicole carved up the dune

Taking back the Atlantic sand previously piled up

Replaced every time the beach has washed away

But now the supply of sand is running out


We watched the high tide advancing higher

Twice a day every day eating away at what remains 

Making it obvious this sand castle story ends badly 

The buildings here soon to be erased under the waves


At what point will the Floridians recognize a lost cause

And retreat from an untenable position

When it is forbidden in this state to say climate change 

When the economy depends on the beach goers


The mindset says rebuild amid the devastation

Ignoring that insurance will cost a fortune 

Especially on the Gulf Coast where Ian swept ashore

Flooding any dwelling not elevated above


The beaches still closed for months afterwards

Now a place for shorebirds to gather undisturbed

Unconcerned by the coastal development destruction 

Unaware of the unfolding crisis


The inland areas no less vulnerable

Drowned in the deluge as the water rose

With nowhere for it to go in this enormous swampland

All of it just inches above sea level 


A reckoning is coming bringing great suffering

An end to the way of life that lured so many here

But not before many more disaster scenes 

Drive home a lesson learned the hard way

Six Mile Cypress Slough December 3, 2022

Friday, December 2, 2022

Yarborough Linear Park December 2, 2022