Thursday, August 31, 2023

DeKorte August 31, 2023

Monday, August 28, 2023

picture this

Picture a young science teacher on an adventure 

After a last minute invite to join a summer expedition 

To make a rainforest tree inventory recording girth and height 

Traveling to the opposite end of the earth


From northeast New Jersey to northeast Australia

Encountering plants animals stars all new and different

Absorbing the experience working hard getting around

Finding a way through the dense forest growth 


Teamed up in pairs to survey designated areas

Their challenging task how to measure elevation 

Needing to figure out the best way to get it done

Inspiring our friend to use himself to gauge the height 


Visualize this person standing at the base of a tall tree

Smiling quite pleased by his human yardstick presentation 

Having drawn one foot lines across his shirt and pants

Marking himself up into the unit of measurement 


As I heard the story after half a century gone by 

It seems that shirt came back as a cherished souvenir

And his classroom the next year featured rainforest lessons 

And the annual science fair included a rainforest room


The person here in front of me talking today 

Contending with the challenges of illness and age

Lights up when recalling this happy memory 

Bringing back that smile for me to see 

 

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Laurelwood August 23, 2023

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Celery Farm August 24, 2023