delineation

from the airplane

countries appear to have distinct

patterns of farmland as though

of a class of patches in a family quilt

with colors generations have found

the comforting foundation of their view

on their lives

but mountain ranges, valley depths

streams, rivers and coastlines

keep their own identities

without regard for borders

would that we remember and respect

what nature gives as itself and try

to dominate only the little that we add