Themes in Turtle Island

In the book Turtle Island, composed by Gary Snyder, there is a constant theme that is repeated throughout every poem I read. The theme is not easily described in one word, but it can be described as an appreciation for nature, a love for the environment, a sincere respect for everything outdoors, etc. One poem that really stuck out to me was on page 11 entitled "Call of the Wild." In this poem, the narrator informs the reader of the coyotes and how the government trappers will use their iron-leg traps and , "Tomorrow, My sons will lose this music they have just started to love." That really sunk into me when I read it in that in such a small phrase, they described the coyotes being lost to trapping, and also how they will no longer be around for their children. We can even infer that the children even began to enjoy the coyote's howl at night. This type of theme/idea of conservation is present throughout this collection of poems/environmental thoughts.