To Breathe . . .

2/17/2023

Dear blog friends,

It's been heartbreaking to watch the details of the recent derailment of a train in the little town of East Palestine, Ohio. For those who are unaware, this train was loaded with toxic chemicals, and the fumes from those burning chemicals now permeate the air. It affects all life -- little children, adults, beloved animals, wild animals, the fish in the river... all life.

I've written a short syllabic poem entitled To Breathe, which I share below. My prayers accompany it. No one should be afraid of the air they breathe. ❤️

29 Comments

Priscilla Bettis link

2/18/2023 04:48:15

Gwen, your love of fresh air to breath comes through in your poem. I, too, am thankful for fresh air and clean water. I pray for the citizens of East Palestine.

Gwen M. Plano

2/18/2023 06:37:54

I'm with you in prayer, Priscilla. The situation is profoundly sad. 💙

Yvette M Calleiro link

2/18/2023 05:08:45

That was beautiful, Gwen! It angers me that those who were knowledgeable chose to be negligent to avoid bad press. They should have cleared everyone within breathing distance out of there. I worry about the health issues those residents will now face for the rest of their lives. And it breaks my heart how many animals have been hurt by this. Beautiful poem!

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

Gwen M. Plano

2/18/2023 06:36:51

Thank you, Yvette. Of all the "stuff" our government meddles in, why haven't they stepped forward and helped this community? I just don't understand. 💙

JILL A WEATHERHOLT link

2/18/2023 05:14:18

I've been following this story closely. It's absolutely heartbreaking. I can't begin to imagine the long-term effects. Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem, Gwen. xo

Gwen M. Plano

2/18/2023 06:34:33

Thank you, dear Jill. I'm concerned about the long-term effects as well -- terrible to think about. ❤️

Harmony Kent link

2/18/2023 05:53:02

I’ve been watching this on our news. I’m horrified they’re being told it’s safe to return already!

Your poetry for this is spot on. Thanks for sharing, Gwen. Hugs 💕🙂

Gwen M. Plano

2/18/2023 06:32:49

Hugs back to you, Harmony. It is a horrifying situation - and profoundly sad. 😔

D.L. Finn

2/18/2023 09:17:09

It is horrible, Gwen. No one should have to deal with what this community is and not even having the truth to work from. Breaks my heart what they will have to deal with in the future and probably with little support.

Gwen M. Plano

2/18/2023 09:21:54

Breaks my heart as well, Denise. I can't believe the lack of care/support from our government. So so sad. 💙

Liz Gauffreau link

2/18/2023 11:04:57

Thank you for writing this, Gwen. Access to clean air and water are the most basic of human rights. They should be the highest priority of every government.

Gwen M. Plano

2/18/2023 12:06:40

Absolutely, Liz. I cannot understand why help was not rushed to their aid. It's a profoundly sad commentary on our government. 💙

Dan Antion link

2/18/2023 11:07:38

This was a horrible accident, Gwen, compounded by some of the worst decisions possible. This will haunt these residents for a long time.

Gwen M. Plano

2/18/2023 12:07:43

My heart breaks for them, Dan. As you stated so well -- this will haunt the residents for a long time. 💙

John Howell link

2/18/2023 14:30:23

The lack of government help is in the same category as the tragic border situation. No one gives a crap about Americans in this administration.

Gwen M. Plano

2/18/2023 19:06:29

That certainly appears to be the case. The situation, and the lack of response, is shocking. 💙

Mae Clair link

2/18/2023 14:56:25

That is just exquisite, Gwen! I do believe it's one of your best. I can feel the emotion in the words. The train derailment was such a tragedy. No one should have to worry about the quality of air they breathe.

Gwen M. Plano

2/18/2023 19:07:20

Thank you so much, Mae. Heartbreaking situation... 💙

Karen Ingalls

2/19/2023 04:57:19

Beautifully written, Gwen. You turned a tragic event into a lesson for us to learn: the preciousness of clean air. We take our breathes for granted.
I also think this is one of your best pieces of poetry.

Gwen M Plano

2/19/2023 05:00:53

Thank you, dear Karen. My heart breaks for the residents in that small town. Unthinkable situation. Blessings to you - I look forward to reading your new edition. 🤗

Annika Perry link

2/19/2023 10:15:07

Gwen, your poem To Breathe is exquisite, uplifting and a powerful reminder that to breathe should give us all this ... and more! The simple act should not be imperilled and I feel for everyone touched by this accident. Here in the UK it was only briefly mentioned in the news and I had no idea about decisions to move residents back to affected area! Madness!

Gwen M. Plano

2/19/2023 12:52:51

Thank you so much, Annika. The situation is horrifying and the progress very slow. Citizens in the United States are shocked by the minimal response to help the people. Yes, it is madness. Thank you for adding to your thoughts to the concern. 💙

D. Wallace Peach link

2/20/2023 07:21:05

Your poem is so vital and touching, Gwen. I feel for those poor people, their homes and lives in such chaos. How can they know whether they're safe to breathe the air, drink the water, live in their homes. It's a tragedy. My prayers join with yours.

Gwen M. Plano

2/20/2023 17:56:46

It's heartbreaking. If I lived closer, I'd invite a family in for a few weeks. Thank you, Diana. 💙

Marcia Meara link

2/20/2023 12:02:27

A beautiful poem, Gwen, and perfectly worded to contrast with a horrible situation that should never have gotten this bad. What a heartbreaking mess.

Gwen M. Plano

2/20/2023 17:57:55

So true, Marcia. I can't imagine the fear parents must feel for their children's wellbeing. Sending hugs... 🤗

Jacquie Biggar

2/21/2023 11:43:28

I would bet the government will use that poor town as an experiment- a giant petrie dish of cancer and who knows what else. It's so sad.

Gwen M. Plano

2/21/2023 12:24:11

Horribly sad...the residence can't sell their home, can't leave their work, can't do much of anything. A living nightmare. 💙

mark bierman link

2/24/2023 07:31:23

A wonderful tribute to all that is good and natural, Gwen. Why we as humans choose to poison ourselves is beyond me.

To Breathe . . .

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