Sifting Shifting Sand

4/13/2018

Narrow Carolina coastline
Eroding into the Atlantic
Winds shift and sand stings the skin
The state released rattlesnakes to kill the rabbits
Displaced coyotes now roam the streets during the off season
It was the state who turned them loose
Along with the acid rain in the 1980s
Shortly after the dye plant killed off most of the Herring population
They now charge one hundred dollars per fish
To protect the environment in their wallets and purses
They ask why the building is not the proper distance from the road
When it was them who paved the error long after the fishery was built
They ask who gave permission to pile sand on the marshy ground
When it was they who put it there to clear the road after a major storm
The transplanted diamond backs remain protected
Who is really endangered by their stealthy presence?
The devil's pocket book stinks
As do the rotting Portuguese man 'o war tentacles
But not nearly as bad as the bureaucrats and tax collectors

- Jay Peele

4 Comments

C. Goff III link

4/13/2018 11:49:29

Well said and illustrated. You mention "dye"... is this the infamous (and smelly) "indigo" that poisoned and recolored so many Carolina slaves once upon a time? As much as Duke U might wanna say their mascot is named after WWI soldiers, these Blue Devils are truly the origin of their name. Twisting history is always good for people who want to retain power, money, and reputation. Watch where you step out there.

Shatter Wax link

4/14/2018 11:43:00

Thank you for educating me about this. I am researching it now. I know a dye plant was built in the 1980s causing a major drop in the Herring population in the Chowan river. It has been shut down and the the river seems healthier although strict state guidelines prevent private citizens from fishing.

Jim Barker

4/14/2018 04:36:04

I like the mix of the atmospherically peaceful photos, with the history and the reality of the text. Is the marbling effect on the sand dunes part of the pollution? Also, what is your doggie friend called?

4/14/2018 11:36:59

Thank you! I think the sand looks that way due to erosion. So much of it washed away between when I visited in September 2017 (before the last big hurricane) and when I was there in March of 2018. My best friend's name is : Chaka !!!!! :)
Jay

Sifting Shifting Sand

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