A Rain Forest Day
by Alexandra
The early morning calmness shattered
by a royal blue Hyacinth Macaw streaking
through the forest
In the distance the loggers' saws
snarl in an angry roar.
The early sun splits the thick green vegetation
into a living jigsaw puzzle.
Crack!
The first tree of the day falls and loses its life
on the stillness of the forest floor.
Amazon paradise-so powerful, so fragile, so much
to explore.
At midday a violent rain shower drums through the
towering trees of the canopy.
A Howler Monkey screams as a native worker carries
off its baby.
Tiny hummingbirds and spectacular butterflies hover in
mid-air and dart to a patch of violets, bigger than
apple trees.
A speeding jaguar falls with a thud as a hunter's bullet
pierces the noontime jungle.
Amazon paradise-so powerful, so fragile, so much
to explore.
As evening comes, a huge hairy tarantula, a blood-
sucking vampire bat, and a slow moving loris make
their appearance.
Fires that were set by ranchers earlier in the day
can still be smelled through the wet, humid air.
In the darkness, steamy smoke rises from the land
burned from farming.
Amazon paradise-so powerful, so fragile, so much
to explore.
Will it still be there?
We must do more!
