Crimes Against Nature

Through the heart of rocky boundaries
delivering life-giving water
to sun-drenched deserts
from ice-capped mountains
as the natural ebb and flow
of centuries pass unfettered
Dams built tall and strong
capture the power 
of this natural cycle 
stifling its organic balance
Lines in the rock showing
the tragic decline
of melted dreams
leading to the sad trickle
of Earth’s blood
While just around the bend
shallows stories reveal
humanity’s crimes again itself
as we pretend the Earth
is too big to hurt


I took this photo during my third visit to the Hoover Dam in fewer than 10 years. Each time, the water line has been significantly lower. Each time, I am saddened to see this testament to the damage we are doing to the Earth, and in-turn ourselves. Recent articles about the number of bodies being uncovered as Lake Mead’s water level also declines prompted me to pull this picture out and write about it.

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Published by B. Isabel Writes

Bobbie Isabel is a lover of words. She spent her childhood escaping in books and finding solace in the public library. Her career in education circled around language in all its forms (spoken, aural, written, etc.), and she takes all of those experiences into account in her writing. As an adult, she finds healing in poetry, exploring themes such as vulnerability and authenticity in her poems. When she’s not writing, you can find her in the audience reveling in the language-rich environment of musical theater.

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