Warts and all

RD: I just purchased your April 2022 issue. I have to confess that the potato wart article (“Potato wart roots run deep,” by Zack Metcalfe, page 28) wasn’t top of my “must read” list. I’m not a potato farmer and I don’t grow them in my veggie garden.
Still, I was really impressed by Zack Metcalfe’s reporting. His article on potato wart was a tough sell for me. But it is so well written. I feel I understood the science and the issues confronting farmers. The whole thing was clearly presented, and I enjoyed reading it, precisely because it was so well organized and written.

Sue Dexter
Bridgewater, N.S.

Feeling fortunate
RD: As I was looking out over the peaceful Saint John River Valley from my rural home and thinking forward to the season ahead, I couldn’t help but be affected by the sad news we are getting out of Ukraine, and feeling heartfelt sympathy for the women and children and elderly folk who are fleeing there as refugees!
D.C. Butterfield
Kilburn, N.B.

Refugee
by D.C. Butterfield
If each of us would try to be
A refuge for a refugee!
Displaced persons, whyever for
Disaster, famine – throes of war
The sights I see set off alarms
Women, children, babes in arms
With open hearts and “Welcome” mat
Hospitality and help hereat
A sanctuary, shelter, shield
Whatever aid that we can wield
Understanding – with recourses
Comprehension – with resources
Comfort, solace, and goodwill
Well-meant support, with all our skill
Asylum, assurance – and accord
A true safe haven from the sword
Cordial, warmly with respect
The same rapport that we’d expect
Relief, protection – out of danger
Now a friend – no more a stranger
Their passionate and painful plea
Please! Eradicate from which we flee!
A humble cry, that conflicts cease
The restfulness … of world peace
If each of us would try to be
A refuge … for a refugee!