Now that Halloween has slinked away for another year, let's take a good look around, especially on the ground. Candy wrappers are littered here, there, everywhere. It is no secret this is the worst time of year for trash throughout our neighborhoods.

If you detest trash as much as I do, head outside with a couple of collecting bags and help make your community cleaner, nicer and safer for people and wildlife.

Here is a little rhyme to illustrate, and hopefully motivate, civic-minded citizens to action:

Wrappers in Bloom

Bright colors beckon from in a bush,

Is it a jay, a robin or even a thrush?

Creeping closer it clearly is shiny,

No bird here — not this tiny.

Peering deeper it appears to be

This bush is blooming — well I'll be!

Reaching in to pluck this flower,

Oh my, it smells sort of sour.

Hey wait a minute — do my eyes decieve;

Turn it over to fully perceive.

Why it's wrappers in bloom on this drab 'ole bush,

See them here, now there, now everywhere.

Some thoughtful chaps have decided to stash

What most of us view as downright trash,

Food and candy wrappers for all to see,

Or possibly to attract a butterfly or bee?

So should you ever spot a bush so bright,

Look to the left and then to the right;

It's wrappers in bloom — what a sight!

See them here, now there, now everywhere.

Sally Galiste

Galt