I was up on the rise away from the little cove where herons visit and geese and ducks nest when I heard men’s voices. I picked out colored shirts and thought there were three, who I figured would have fishing poles. When I came up the road I was slightly astonished to count eight men tromping the marsh. They had metal detectors.
I asked what was going on, their representative said they were “working with the state” and looking for a motorcycle, built in 1962 that was purportedly driven into “a pond.” I expressed the wish they watch out for bird nests and wildlife. “Oh, there’s nests in there?” He seemed genuinely astonished at the idea. His companions sniggered.
“I hoped you were here to clean up the place.”
He laughed and replied, “I think that’s your job!”