LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Beauty matters

Posted 4/23/20

To the Editor: Do we want all our open spaces to be glazed over with grim, lifeless arrays of solar panels? Is an inanimate solar panel preferable to a living tree? I raise those questions after reading the soothing letter of March 19th submitted by

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Beauty matters

Posted

To the Editor:

Do we want all our open spaces to be glazed over with grim, lifeless arrays of solar panels? Is an inanimate solar panel preferable to a living tree?

I raise those questions after reading the soothing letter of March 19th submitted by Robert Houghtaling in which he shares with us the poem Trees, by Joyce Kilmer.

Mr. Houghtaling writes to lend comfort in this present time of trouble. I think he succeeds in doing that and much more.

He reacquaints us with this lovely poem that, at one time, was known, and could be recited, by most school children. He informs us that Kilmer, who was killed in World War I, composed it to extol the beauty around him.

We learn that the poem has special significance for Mr. Houghtaing and his family. It offers them solace amidst heartache. The poem is beautiful, just as the trees that adorn his sons resting place are beautiful.

Mr. Houghtaling understands that beauty matters. His letter reminds us that poetry and trees are beautiful and good for the soul.

But, alas, solar panel farms are not.

It occurs to me that finding a place to admire the trees, as Mr. Houghtaling encourages us to do, may become more difficult if solar panel farms continue to encroach upon the landscape.

Should we be willing to sacrifice the beauty of trees for the stark, sterile, will-o-the-wisp utility of solar panel installations? I’d like to ask Mr. Houghtaling, who strikes me as being a thoughtful man, what he thinks about that prospect?

A.H. Liddle

Warwick

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