Barn Owls

Barn Owls

Along the lane,

not long ago,

There was a sign that read:-

“Beware Low Flying Owls!”

The sign is gone;

The lane is gone;

The owls are gone;

But a gaping, black hole is there

For all to see.

Now there is a sign

That reads-in yellow and black print,

“DANGER-Deep Excavation!”

The trees are gone;

The flowers are gone;

The grass is gone;

But coal is needed

And matters more than life.

Will there be a sign tomorrow

That will read after restoration

“What have we done!!”

For trees are stunted;

Soil is poor;

Species are few;

And the ghost of an owl

Hoots sadly far away!