ENVIRONMENTAL Poem: The Wetlands, by Jackie Kempe

I am a predator of brackish waters,
paddling between sand and sea.

I live in the middle space, the fingers—
Outstretched hands holding back our tides, protecting in quiet, serving without ceremony.

I prey on snails and worms. Hard to find these days.

I am like the rest of us.
Vulnerable. Conditioned.

Vulnerable to the changing wetlands,
Conditioned to keep calling them home.