Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, November 19, 1995 TAG: 9511200072
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: NELL STALLARD
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
We sometimes forget that there are others who live in this universe that do not speak as we do, walk as we do, live as we do. They live on a totally different plane. We humans forget that it takes all of us together to keep this ol' world turnin'. This attitude led to the destruction of a wonderful group of neighbors and the 'hood' where they lived.
Yes, we humans destroyed yet another 'hood.' This 'hood' was the undeveloped land behind our home where cows grazed just months ago. Many times we watched the daily activities of the neighbors of this 'hood.' Mr. Groundhog lumbering across the back of our lawn, scurrying out of our sight; the family of rabbits that gave birth under our shrubs; the flickers marching across our lawn eating the insects and grubs; the blue jays yelling loud at any and all; the mockingbirds challenging all who would dare; the redheaded woodpecker so vibrant in his incessant pecking; the chipmunk burrowing here and there; Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal who visited us with their bright red attire all year long, the daring flight of the bluebirds; Mr. Squirrel with his long fluffy tail busily storing food for winter; and Mr. Opossum with his own agenda. This was their 'hood.' We watched from afar their activities. How they seem so oblivious of us, rushing to and fro to be out of our presence, giving us only glimpses of their way of life.
Earlier this summer, the human factor entered this 'hood' in the form of a man encased in the cab of a yellow earth mover. With reckless abandonment, the underbrush was wrenched from the soil. The homes of many of our friends were gone in seconds. A second sweep and trees were gone. Yet another sweep and an old stump was uprooted. Homes destroyed, the inhabitants of the 'hood' rushed for safety.
When last seen, Mr. Opossum was running from the path of the yellow machine. The fate of Mr. Groundhog is unknown. Where are the rabbits? The flickers dart from spot to spot, wondering if the rest of the family is safe. The squirrel's food repository is gone. And still the yellow machine grinds away at the 'hood.'
Progress requires that new homes be built and streets be extended. But for it all, this intelligent, thinking, "superior" group should stop to consider the destruction of our neighbor 'hoods.' When these are gone, how will the children learn the songs of the birds; how the rabbits sit and munch their food; how strong the chipmunk is to fend for his food when he is so small. As the yellow machine destroys yet another 'hood,' please, let's stop and look at what we are doing. The new 'hood' will be for humans. Would it have been too much to have shared this 'hood'?
Does it really have to be all or nothing?
by CNB