Steely-eyed and alert —
a rough-skinned newt
wanders by the scene
of a crime —
witness to bear bones
and decaying humanity.
Note: While in the field this week, we came across a poached black bear. As I bent over to inspect the bones surrounded by a pile of trash, I spotted a rough-skinned newt crawling next to one of the vertebrae. Maybe it saw what happened or it sensed what had transpired. This left a lasting impression on me. We must respect all creatures great and small. Our very humanity erodes with every shameless act that disregards the value of life.
The ancient eavesdropper 
Couldn’t agree more. Respecting all creatures great and small.
Great photo and insightful poem, Tyler. Very well said and so true “we need to respect all creatures, great and small”. You have a keen eye for detail! I love the photo of the newt! Happy Friday! I love you! Mom
Thank you, Mom! Have a wonderful Friday as well. I love you! 😊🌻💛🤟
Impressive image, excellent poetry and thoughtful words. I have a more jaded perception that default humanity has an intrinsic disregard for life. However, aspirant humanity has the ability to soar, and I Will that we choose to do so as a species.
Your comments today truly resonated with me. The abominable way some people treat the animals sharing this world with us is hard to fathom. Thank you for memorializing the tragedy of poaching and giving voice to the newt.