The Lantern, for Rachel Carson

Image: Rachel Carson, courtesy of NOAA.

This poem is dedicated in memory of Rachel Carson, on the 50th anniversary of Silent Spring.

May her words continue to inspire us to always seek, and to find, the Truth.

 

The Lantern

Sincere and sound, she spoke her mind

Words that stood the test of time

As critical then as they are right now

Her message sought to show us how

The birds, the bees, all life on earth

Has beauty, value - unnamed worth

To science, culture and the arts

All life on earth is more than its parts

Life - in all its delicate balance -

Cannot be left to uncertain chance

With careful thought, and observation

She spoke the truth, not speculation

 

And for her words, was criticized

By those who sought to hide the lies

Of cause, effect and unseen impacts;

Denying science and irrefutable facts

But Truth will always shine its light

Revealing itself in darkest night

Through her words, she passed the lantern

To remind us now, it is our turn

 

Susan Thompson Ryan

2012