Beware Progress

I seem to spend more time these days thinking about the world my grandchildren will inherit.  Our family spent years traveling the Boundary Water Canoe area in Northern Minnesota.  I recently discovered this small piece first written in the mid eighties.   Given the recent appearance of a cell phone tower to service BWCA visitors it seems appropriate to share at this time.

Wilderness, like a mistress, is an indifferent temptress.

She can break your heart, or send your spirit soaring; some are compelled to experience the embrace again and again; some repel in fear.

When vistas disappear and eagles are captive, when the wild river is polluted, we lose the balm that heals our psychic wound.

Break the rolling mantle of the far hills with a power line, disturb the silence, dam the river's fury and you diminish her essence. Clear-cut the forest, pollute the water, erect the tower and, as in death, her allure is gone.

Only the pictures and sweet memories remain, to fade in time and disappear.