In 2013, I spent three months studying Black-headed Pittas in the tropical forests of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. This poem by Alexander Pope is for one solitary avian resident of the forest we called Alex - the first pitta I encountered. I think the idea of wild organisms living out a life unseen and unknown is my conservation dream, because it implies vast spaces untouched by humans (though to be clear, I do want everyone to have access to nature, not just a privileged few). It is thrilling to observe pittas - they are truly resplendent. But, just to know that pittas are inhabiting pristine primary forest as they have for millions of years -- away from the treadmill of human consumption -- makes me happy.
Ode on Solitude
BY ALEXANDER POPE
Happy the man, whose wish and care A few paternal acres bound, Content to breathe his native air, In his own ground. Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread, Whose flocks supply him with attire, Whose trees in summer yield him shade, In winter fire. Blest, who can unconcernedly find Hours, days, and years slide soft away, In health of body, peace of mind, Quiet by day, Sound sleep by night; study and ease, Together mixed; sweet recreation; And innocence, which most does please, With meditation. Thus let me live, unseen, unknown; Thus unlamented let me die; Steal from the world, and not a stone Tell where I lie.
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