Dream or reality
Safe doesn’t seem safe again
Social distancing in an alcove is problematic
Life is becoming harder and harder in my canyon
Bugs evolved
With the best science playing catchup
Winter’s start brings new despair
Again bugs possess the upper hand
Three jabs since spring but not good enough
Hope is elusive
Temporary
Maybe propaganda
Bugs are like ants moving towards their destination
Kick a few rocks in the way as an obstruction
Smash a few with your boot
Only an illusion
Our circumstances do not convey strength
Desperate people commit desperate acts
Identical to the abandonment 900 years ago
When the Anasazi fled canyon country
No faith in the future
The demoralized Anasazi resettled and become the Hopi
Where are we headed
Via our abandonment
Optimism
Compare our fate to the lodgepole pine
Even among the greatest pine bark devastation a few saplings survive

Eighteen years ago John headed west, settling in Heber, Utah. Focusing on the environment and giving back to community soon became as natural as his beautiful surroundings. Departing the corporate world in 2006 John immersed himself in a year of graduate studies at the Teton Science School, Jackson, Wyoming. Place-based education opened new perspectives on nature and spirituality. After graduation several seasons were spent as a wilderness therapy guide and conservation corps crew leader. Mentoring to these “kids” remains one of his proudest achievements.