This anthology will be comprised of poems that focus on WETLANDS: the wet, dry and delicate ecology that is struggling amidst us in this time of climate crisis. The theme may be expanded to the subject of the environment and climate-change within purview of the wetlands—Such poetry is called by various names: climate crisis poetry, eco-poetry, nature poetry, “green” poetry. We are looking for poems that explore what you experience and respond to through wetlands around you, remembering that wetlands are impacted by human choices and actions. Wherever we live— city, town, village, country, woods, seaside, bush—these wetlands are affected by our social, political and spiritual choices. Fertilizer and pesticide run-off contaminates lakes and rivers; excessive urbanisation and construction and shrinking buffer zones lead to their degradation and loss; weeds, algal blooms and pollution impact their health; as species go extinct, our environment is imperilled.

In a time of crisis, it is crucial to write “love poems to the wetlands”— poems that praise, respect and educate what wetlands are, why they are important, the beauty and value they add to our lives and the joy of experiencing the flora and fauna that live in and around these wetlands. “Nature” is not all wildflowers and quokkas. It is equally crucial to write poems that warn of the dangers of climate change, the destruction of wetlands, historical perspectives, the lament of their loss, and their continued abuse and deterioration. Making connections between racial and social injustice and environmental injustice, between ecosystems and social systems, between humans and other living beings—bring it all to your “wetlands” poetry.