Shedding Light on ALAN

Deborah Lloyd

The thieves and muggers loathed ALAN first 
the artificial light at night
gaslighting their darkling activities 
disrupting the circadian rhythms 
of an honest working day.

But the factory owners delighted 
in the extended hours of labour 
and brightly pocketed the increased output
and journeyed safely home 
in radiant self-satisfaction.

Then the stargazers complained 
about the bleeding light 
and raged and raged against the dying 
of the night and the floodlit churches –
no longer bible black –
outshining Lux Aeterna.

Now, a hopeful blackbird 
strung out from syncopated nightshifts 
on neon lamp posts
is singing nocturns for insomniacs 
and serenading dazzled moths 
busy pollinating illuminated box-signs.

Sea-turtle hatchlings stride forth 
in undimmed determination
towards golden horizons 
paved with streets far from the starfish sea 
and corals ache
to spawn with the invisible moon.

Blinded by our floodlit driveways 
we do not see that our winter tomatoes 
grown in private greenhouse lighting 
divert migrating birds 

whilst governments sit
in the dark of splintered evidence 
and seek enlightenment.

The Science

This poem is inspired by recent research into the broader impacts of anthropogenic lighting on the environment. In a themed issue, the researchers identify the negative externalities of Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) on biodiversity in a range of settings and point to its potential adverse effects on human health. They emphasise the need for a deeper understanding of species-specific responses to light pollution within dynamic social-ecological systems. The authors argue that adopting a context-specific ecosystemic appreciation of lighting design and practice would facilitate relatively more sensitive mitigation measures by policymakers and land managers. Lux Aeterna (Latin for Eternal Light) is a theological concept associated with Gregorian Chant and modern composers, such as Morten Lauridsen.

The Poet

As an academic, Deborah Lloyd worked for the integration of disciplines across the built environment and improving citizen engagement in decision-making. Now retired, she has returned to creative writing. From a farming background, she retains a strong interest in sustainable land use planning, policy and practice.

Next poem: Sick Building by Susan Richardson