Friday, April 02, 2021

LINGUICIDE

by Akua Lezli Hope

 


No elder bids are there to sing
Regent honeyeaters’ male song
So young ones copy other things
their bird culture nearly gone
 
Regent honeyeaters’ male song
tells females if they are strong and fit
Their bird culture is nearly gone —
we play old recordings to fix it
 
Tells females if they are strong and fit
if they sing the right song
We play old recordings to fix it
fearful they won’t last long
 
If they sing the right song
extinction will be kept at bay
We’re fearful they won’t last long
as their habitat shrinks away
 
Extinction will be kept at bay
when females hear the strong songs
As their habitat shrinks away
we strive to correct our invasive wrongs


Akua Lezli Hope is a creator and wisdom seeker who uses sound, words, fiber, glass, metal, and wire to create poems, patterns, stories, music,  sculpture, and peace.  A third generation New Yorker, her honors include the NEA, two NYFAs, SFPA, Rhysling and Pushcart Prize nominations.