Adapted from a poem by Kathy Chencharik in Green Living
 
They’d like to expand the airport
right in your neighborhood.
They’ll do it in the name of safety
and for the common good.
 
There’s been but one accident,
completely unrelated to the runway’s size.
But when someone dangles money,
you know others will be after the prize.
 
This expansion is sorely needed
or so authorities say.
They tell us if we don’t make necessary improvements
we could run into trouble with the FAA.
 
There might be a bit more noise,
there may even be a bit more light.
But really, come to think about it,
who needs dark at night?
 
Pollution in the area?
Maybe in the air?
Aquifer contamination?
But, come on, does anyone really care?
 
Some may lose their homes
people*, turkeys, owls or deer.
But what does it really matter
if we can make more money and others can fly in from far and near.
 
One of our eminent Selectmen has said
opponents of the project have a “fear of the unknown.”
My guess is he may regret those words
before this is all said and done.
 
The important thing here is…
 
They’d like to expand the airport
right in your neighborhood.
They’ll do it in the name of safety
and for the common good.
 
Judy Wiger-Grohs
Middlebury
*People living near the airport stand to lose value in their homes.