Tortoises in the Mist: Turtle Poetry for Conservationists
Announcing Publication of a Collection of Turtle Poetry
Editorial Introduction. — This section is devoted to poetry involving turtles, representing either reprinted previously published or new unpublished material. We encourage our readers to submit poetry or songs for consideration, either their own material or work by other authors. Poems may be submitted to Anders G.J. Rhodin, Chelonian Research Foundation, E-mail: RhodinCRF@aol.com.
Our desire is to share with our readers the beauty and wonder of turtles as expressed through the art of the poem or song. In the sense that the relationship between man and turtles is multifaceted, so too is turtle poetry. The poems we publish here reflect that complexity, from poems of pure admiration for the creatures themselves to others reflecting the utilization of turtles and their products. Some poems reflect man's use of the turtle for sustenance, others stress man's need to preserve and protect turtles. Some deal with our emotional interactions with turtles, others treat turtles light-heartedly or with seeming disrespect, but all hopefully help us to better understand both the human and the chelonian condition, and remind us that the turtle holds a sacred place in all our hearts.
Chelonian Research Foundation and Turtle Conservancy are most pleased to announce the publication of this handsome coffee-table-style book collection of turtle poetry and turtle photography. The book presents a 106-page selection of the best 44 turtle-focused poems, songs, and poetic prose by 38 passionate authors previously published or reprinted since 1996 in either Chelonian Conservation and Biology or Chelonian Research Monographs. Thebook isenhanced by 60 evocative turtle photos ordrawings by 24 photographers and artists and also includes the engaging commentary originally provided when these poems were first published or reprinted. A foreword by Russ Mittermeier and preface by Julian Sands further enhance the volume.
The hardcover book is available for purchase ($30 each, plus P&H) through the Turtle Conservancy webstore (www.turtleconservancy.org/store/).
