by Cheryl Batavia

Mixed Feelings on “Progress”

Photo by Josh Olade from Unsplash.
Photo by Paul Crook, Unsplash

Mixed Feelings on “Progress”

Wild things face deportation from woodlands.

‘Dozers fell trees animals call home.

Animals, seeking asylum,

head for the next wooded lot.

Finding sanctuary,

displaced refugees…

squirrels and birds

crowd feeders…

Oh, how

sad!

On

morning

excursions,

I see “progress”…

human immigrants

expertly constructing

beautiful new human homes.

Fascinated from early childhood

with watching men and women at work…

noise, dust, wildlife displacement…still I watch!

Photo by Cristian Rojas on Pexels

Copyright© 2025 by Cheryl Batavia

Heart Problems

For the last couple of months, I have been experiencing heart symptoms again. Last week, I ended up in the hospital for an emergency angioplasty for a blocked stent in my heart. I was in the hospital for a couple of days and am recovering at home. After all of our recent surgeries, both Robert and I are OK, but quite tired.

63 Comments

  1. Unknown's avatar

    Hi Cheryl, as the saying goes, ‘That’s Progress’, but hopefully, these days the developers are more conscious about the environment and leaving animal friendly green zones in between their building projects … 🌏💚😍🐶

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Ivor, Thank you for your insightful comment. I totally agree that we need greenspace. 💚💚💚

      Where developers create neighborhoods, greenspace is typically included in the plans. Our neighborhood is made up of wooded lots owned by individuals. For many years, there were just a few scattered houses, both large and small.

      Suddenly, new homes are appearing like mushrooms, and animal habitat is disappearing rapidly. I wish I could buy a few lots as a wildlife refuge.

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you, Joanna, for your kind wishes. 💕I think you are absolutely right about abuse of nature. Animals here are feeling the consequences of development now. As time goes on, I think humans will also suffer.

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  3. Unknown's avatar

    Cheryl, the line “noise, dust, wildlife displacement…still I watch!” really captures that complicated pull between admiration and grief. I feel the tension you’re naming, and it makes the poem resonate all the more.

    ~David

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      P.S.

      Cheryl, I’m really sorry to hear what you’ve been going through. It sounds like it’s been a heavy stretch for both you and Robert—sending you both warmth, strength, and a gentle, full recovery. Please take all the time you need to rest. 💛

      ~David

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  11. Unknown's avatar

    I understand your mixed feelings about human progress. It has come at a great cost of the non-human life with whom we share this planet. I’m sorry to hear about your latest heart emergency. I will be praying for your full recovery ❤

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  13. Unknown's avatar

    Oh Cheryl, I’ve been concerned about you and almost checked in but then, I’ve had my hands full. Oh I’m sooo sorry to hear this. I’m glad you caught it but it must be so frustrating for you when you have been doing everything you can to heal! I can’t imagine between the 2 of you!
    Your poem is so apropos and is such a sad state of affairs that we are going through.
    Keep resting and taking good care. I hope you will be feeling back in the mend soon!
    🩷🩷🩷🩷

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Cindy, thank you for your kind words. You have your hands full, and then some! Thank you for thinking of us. We will continue to to do our best to enjoy life and take care of each other. I still have a long bucket list, so I will try to pace myself.

      Take care, and have a great week! 💕💚💛🩵💕

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      1. Unknown's avatar

        You’re so very welcome, always Cheryl, Of course I always do and never to full for you but yes, it’s true. That is very sweet you have each other and you’re smart to tackle on thing slowly at a time. I know how hard that is! I will and you do the same my sweet friend and take all the time you need! We’re not going anywhere! 💓

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  14. Unknown's avatar

    I appreciate your mixed feelings about human progress, but so sorry to know about your surgery, Cheryl. Wish you and Robert early recovery. Take care and proper rest. My thoughts and prayers are with you.🙏💗🙏

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  15. Unknown's avatar

    Yeah, that strange mix of awe and sadness we feel watching “progress” roll in. You’ve captured it so beautifully, Cheryl ❤️. I’m so sorry to hear about your heart scare, glad you’re back home and resting. Sending you and Robert lots of healing energy and hope you both get all the rest you need.

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  25. Unknown's avatar

    Cheryl,

    Your poem on “progress” touched me with its honesty and tenderness. The image of wild creatures as “displaced refugees” is powerful and heartbreaking. You have beautifully shown how human advancement often comes at the cost of nature, reminding us that true progress must honor both humanity and the natural world.

    I was also saddened to read about your recent health struggles. Please know that you and Robert are in my thoughts and prayers. May you both find strength, peace, and steady recovery. Your courage in continuing to share your words, even during challenging times, is an inspiration.

    With gratitude and warm regards,
    Arun

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Arun, thank you for your insightful response to the poem.💕It is hard to disagree in principle, that there should be homes for both people and wildlife. Too often, though, the animals are the ones who end up homeless.

      Thank you for your kind concern for our health. Life goes on. I am thankful that we have each other.😊

      Warm regards,

      Cheryl

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  26. Unknown's avatar

    So sorry you’ve had heart problems and that i missed this post, but better late than never. The poem speaks to my heart. When I see neighborhood posts about coyotes and other wild ones on people’s “property” I think about how displaced these animals have been. They’re just trying to adapt. I’m sending good vibes and healing prayers to your beautiful heart.

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