Paradise Improved (poem) by Charles B. Neff on AuthorsDen

Paradise Improved
by Charles B. Neff → (All Poetry by Charles B. Neff)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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We were invited to stay at a new development on a formerly secluded semi-tropical stretch of the Pacific coast. At first it seduced, partly in its luxury. Then other impressions burrowed in.
Paradise Improved The pristine beach was simply there Enjoyed by those who knew of it In their occasional comings and goings. Wild animals lived in natural rhythms, Until a tide from far away Washed a rich dream over Eden. Within walls, tasteful condos rose Along subtle curves and angles (minimally invasive, of course). Virtue was maintained (no golf ). Infrastructure’s perfect logic Created frames for perfect vistas. For a few accidental days we lived In that unfinished dream until Fading delight collided with unease. Beauty vied with unmasked blemish, And my blinkered sight itself fractured. Designed perfection had birthed limbo. Was that reaction from outside or inside me? Humans won’t stop improving on nature. Yet, it’s not easy in this world of contradictions To be open to beauty, however it survives. But I must be. Only observant hearts, In concert, may slow the incoming tide. Charles B. Neff May 30, 2014

Reviewed by Ed Matlack

Reviewed on June 11, 2014

I would if I could just buy an island and put a log cabin on it with just enough room for one or two people...e

Reviewed by audrine max

Reviewed on May 30, 2014

beautiful poetry.. there is a thin line between preserving and improving nature.

Reviewed by m j hollingshead

nice one

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

An architect that I admired who lived in an underground home on the top of Bear Mountain with a spectacular view of Atlanta, told me that, "nature is the best landscaper." Atlantans seem determined to eliminate every tall, beautiful loblolly pine in sight because they didn't like the pine needles or the pollen, I'm not sure exactly what.

At least you weren't invaded by the native creatures. My new home in the woods with no lawn had a nice little population of scorpions just after I moved in.

Ron