Earth and Oceanographic Science

Aphanizomenon. Is this a phenomenon

In the United States?

Cylindrospermopsin.  Is it a toxin

Of common occurrence and fates?

But half of your lakes

Have got what it takes

To lead any national list in

Producing that hazardous microcystin.

To avoid liver harm and neuro-paralysis

We have all been told to do good analysis.

We also now know that both you and me

Need to advocate cutbacks of  N and of  P.

(With acknowledgements to Keith Loftin and Hans Paerl)

Geoffrey A. Codd
Bowdoin College,  August 5^th  2011.