Once You've Seen the Meadow

A Note

This is one of my favorite places–it’s in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, near Conconully, WA. It does take your breath away; it brings tears; the beauty holds our wonder; it must be protected. We were always thankful for the organizations, programs, and policies that provide us, just regular people, to enjoy this wonder that is America.

The two poems are written in a format that starts with an English phrase, then restates it as poetry.

The second poem is based on experiences of our local group who walk to protect our public lands and parks. Many times over the past year, we’ve had days of bad weather, but at walk time, the wind dies down, the rain stops, and the sun shines. Sometimes for an hour for our walk; sometimes for the afternoon. We are always thankful for nature’s support.

Since the current administration is demolishing the forest service, this most helpful government website on how to explore the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest may soon be unavailable, and, unfortunately, the public land of the people may be unavailable as well. The meadow may be inaccessible. Think about that!

Once You’ve Seen the Meadow 
in Two Poems

Poem 1: Protect Public Lands

In English we say—
Protect public lands— protect the lands of the people for future generations

In poetry we say—

Ponderosa Pine tower
over a needle-carpeted
forest floor dotted with berry
bushes where the sun sneaks
a peak at the forest’s wonder;
Ahead the canopy opens to
birch and aspen, leaves twisting
in a gentle breeze, dancing
to the wind’s melodious whoosh.
The young children rush ahead
towards the sunshine.

Stepping from the shade of
the pines, we pause, no, we stop,
everyone stops—
the smallest child turns slowly
around and around;
we hold our breath:
wildflowers amid spring greens
sprinkle pink, yellow, white, red blooms
across the meadow beneath
the sky’s soothing blue
and across and along the edge of the
surrounding forest
and the sun warms the song
of the awe we behold,
of the awareness to protect
this blessed public land
for the children
yet to come.

SHERI EDWARDS
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH
4/8/26
#VERSELOVE

Poem 2: Right On!

In English we say,—

“Right On!”
an enthusiastic approval
of something
that one agrees with
wholeheartedly.

In poetry we say—

Thunder roars above,
while rain pounds on
umbrellas held with one hand
over walkers arriving with
signs held closely with the other hand,
keeping them out of the rain—
a rain that suddenly stops,
as clouds slowly allow
a stream of sunshine
to highlight the word
“Save”
the sky opens its blue smile,
umbrellas fold,
signs rise with letters bold,
blessed by nature’s approval:
Save the Forests.
Save the Forest Service.
Right on!

SHERI EDWARDS
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH
4/8/26
#VERSELOVE

Once You’ve Seen the Meadow — Protect Public Lands

---

Reflect curiosity and wonder --Go boldly and scatter seeds of kindness...