Habitat Conference

    by Snipe

With the first sighting
a horn proclaims their return-
the streets are lined
with anxious observers
who realize how just how hollow the town
has been without their friends

The Saurians parade into civilization
cascades of flower petals
rain down from upper balconies and alcoves

The Dinosaurs return renewed
from their sojourn into Nature-
more intense-
colors bright
eyes vibrant
yet serene and at peace

The parade route
ends at an open amphitheater
or town square
or wherever all the towns population
can gather and share

The Humans sit and wait
for their friends
to confer amongst themselves
until one is designated
speaker
and it begins-

The Habitat Conference

The presentation is classic Saurian-
meaning subjects and problems
are not spoken of directly-
rather an overall view is given,
illuminated here and there with poetic detail

This way of speaking
takes Humans some getting used to
Eventually
potential problems are conveyed
and the Humans begin to understand

Perhaps farming has extended too far in a region-
or a newly built waterwheel is disturbing
the spawning of fish-
or the smoke from a blacksmiths shop
has chased away a species of moth,
thus throwing the food chain of that area out of alignment

It is not all bad news-
a new species of bird was discovered in The Rainy Basin,
and many of the problems discussed in past conferences
are no longer threats
There is no blame
or accusations in the Saurian presentations
and no Human questions the validity of the observations

The Conference
will last several days
as solutions to the problems are discussed
and plans are made to carry them out

Only by all the Islanders
taking an active role
in the maintenance of the delicate balance
can we all continue
to grow and thrive.

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