FOR OUR FORESTRY WORKERS
In the forests of JoCo, a silence grows loud,
Smokey stands watch beneath a gathering cloud.
"Only you can prevent," his words once inspired,
But now the tools are gone, and the workers retired.
DOGE swept through with its budget blade,
Forestry workers lost, their efforts delayed.
Trail crews disbanded, their tools left to rust,
The wilderness untended, choked with dust.
Controlled burns frozen, the funding withheld,
The plans for prevention no longer upheld.
Fuel piles grow where the workers once tread,
A spark could awaken what all have to dread.
The fire departments feel the strain too,
With fewer resources to see their tasks through.
Communities wonder, their safety in doubt—
If flames should come, can they put them out?
Elon Musk looks skyward, his dreams in flight,
But Smokey stares earthward at a brewing plight.
“Elon,” he pleads through the whispering trees,
“Progress must balance with duties like these.
The forests need care; they’re not just for show—
Without preparation, disaster will grow.
Restore the funding, bring back the hands—
Let’s save these woods before fire demands.”
Wake up, Takilma, wake up, CJ,
This is no time for us to play.
From O’Brien’s woods to GP’s streets,
These are the facts we all must meet.
DOGE has struck with its cold, sharp blade,
Forestry workers gone, their efforts delayed.
No hands to clear, no plans to burn,
The forests wait as the seasons turn.
Funding frozen, the danger grows,
Brush piles high where the wild wind blows.
Controlled burns halted, preparation denied—
A spark could ignite what we’ve tried to hide.
Wake up, Takilma! Your history’s clear:
When fires raged once, the community drew near.
Chainsaws and gas cans from trunks were shared,
Neighbors united because they cared.
Wake up, CJ! Your streets know the cost—
When resources dwindle, safety is lost.
Citizen patrols filled gaps in the past;
But for forests and fire, will this model last?
From the peaks of Waldo to Illinois’ floor,
These cuts affect us all—and more.
Smokey still stands with his warning so true:
"Only you can prevent," but we need more than you
Smokey needs us all
So rise up now, let your voices be heard—
Fight for the funding and spread the word.
For forests and safety, for future and past,
Let’s act together before danger comes fast.
Smokey needs you
DrummerDave26
