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Swamp Life: Human Nature Contest

Swamps are like places where dinosaurs roam  
shadowed by ancient moss-draped trees.        
A prehistoric world in shades of green.            
I paddle my pirogue through algae foam.     
Around me it's taciturn and serene                     
as I collect for whittling, cypress knees.              
Fishermen, hunters, and I call it home.             

Nature's garden profuse with wildflowers;
cattails and swamp iris in brown and blue.
An alligator, inert near the banks.
I sit and gaze at the beauty for hours.
For my primitive domain, I give thanks -
for the bass I caught, simmering in stew,
and for herbs I use for healing powers.

In the swamp, it's as if time has stood still.
Under lily pads there lurks big bullfrogs
hiding from herons and the egret.
I can hear them calling out their trill.
Time in my cabin I never regret.
Life is peaceful in these foggy bogs.
I ready myself for night's misty chill.

Sinister snakes slither in shallow brine
and cling to low branches overhead,
trying to catch the last ray of sun.
I descry them while checking my line
then gather up moss, and when that's done,
I will stuff it inside my mattress bed.
Living in my swamp suits me just fine.


_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_
January 21st, 2016
Human Nature Contest
Sponsor: Marugu Mo
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Kendrick Avatar
February 16, 2016 at 5:23 PM
Impressive Human Nature-4 stanza,/7 lines..Congrats on your winner..Sara
Lane Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 5:21 AM
Thank you kindly, Sara.
A. Sharma Avatar
February 16, 2016 at 1:59 AM
Congrats on ur great win with this awesome write Lin.
Lane Avatar
February 16, 2016 at 4:40 AM
Thank you very much, Upma.
Gentry Avatar
February 13, 2016 at 8:06 PM
Congratulations for your win! Awesome.
Lane Avatar
February 13, 2016 at 9:31 PM
Thanks a lot, Susan.
Dutta Avatar
February 13, 2016 at 10:52 AM
Wonderful poem.Congrats Lin to win. Anisha D
Lane Avatar
February 13, 2016 at 12:49 PM
Thanks so much, Anisha.
Delaney Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 9:23 PM
Congrats Lin: Re-visiting to say well done. SuZ
Lane Avatar
February 13, 2016 at 12:48 PM
Thanks a lot, Suz.
Haight Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 2:32 PM
Such amazing imagery and beautifully written, Lin. Congrats on your well-deserved 2nd Place win. Hugs, Sandra
Lane Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 6:18 PM
Thank you very much, Sandra Hugger!! lol
Godwin Avatar
February 3, 2016 at 1:18 AM
I wonder why I am craving craw fish? Delightful read, very well done and so enjoyable ... CayCay
Lane Avatar
February 3, 2016 at 4:17 AM
lol CayCay. I've missed seeing you. Hope you're well and thank you for the visit. We certainly do have great food in New Orleans.
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