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I was watching Good Morning America this morning (11/13) and they had a segment that inspired this poem below. It was about these school children in Minnesota who were out on a field trip near a lake. A number of them found that the frogs there were deformed, i.e., missing limbs and/or having extra limbs. ABC then talked to a biologist who has studied frogs for over 40 years. He said when he started, most frog populations were healthy (esp. as these sorts of deformities go), but now (and not only in Minnesota, but also in places like Vermont, Canada, and even Japan) possibly 30%, 50%, and even sometimes 70% of these populations are deformed. Obviously, this is no minor phenomena. They are currently trying to evaluate what the cause(s) might be, such as heavy metals, pesticides, uv radiation (perhaps radiation from nuclear testing in the past - just a thought), and haven't found anything conclusive yet. They call other species sometimes "sentinel" species, because the state of their health and environment may be a warning to "higher" forms of life, like mammals (including us of course). Not to mention that it is widely known the effects these human created substances (and esp in these large industrial quantities) have had on other species too, such as alligators (born without sexual organs), birds, fish, etc. So, anyway, here goes: SENTINEL Sentinel, Sentinel With watchful eye you keep Alert to that which may harm us While we are asleep Despite his vigilence Defenses could be breached If the foe strikes quickly Where we most are weak Apathy and ignorance While still imbedded deep If treated before too late Could save us from defeat If to his desperate warning We humans pay no heed All on earth will suffer >From this fateful deed Nature's chorus will become Little more than a peep And those who do survive Will forever weep * Wendy Tebay