Wetlands

George Carlin claimed that “wetland” was a coinage to replace
The less enchanting “swamp” so that the public would embrace
The move to save the wetlands, but that isn’t what I’ve found.
Way back in 1669, the greenies weren’t around,
But “wetland” was. Moreover, “swamp” is properly assigned
To wetlands where the major plants are of the woody kind.
The marshes, fresh- or saltwater, are full of reeds and grass.
The wetlands lacking nutrients for big plants form the class
Of bogs, which start as lakes until filled up with plants’ decay,
Called peat. Fens also have it but support more plants today,
Because they’re less acidic, having water flow all year.
These wetlands have their subtypes, but I wouldn’t list them here.
Some experts also recognize wet meadows as a type.
Aquatic ecosystems, too—so much for Carlin’s gripe.