The Poetry of Nature

 

Step gently out,

be still, 

and watch

a single blade

of grass.

 

So begins one of my favorite nature poems, which is also this book, written by Helen Frost and filled with the luscious close-up photography of Rick Lieder. It is a perfect go-to for Earth Day, or any time this Earth Day month. Or even any month of the year.

 

Going from page to page is like meandering slowly through a meadow filled with wildflowers. I feel like I can almost hear the bumblebees, feel the breeze, smell the fresh tang of spring soil. 

 

Reading this long, languid poem is good for the soul. So, too, is writing poetry.

At least that’s what I read somewhere. And being outside in nature is good for your health, too. I also read that somewhere. Writing poetry can also be a kind of meditation, because you need to take a moment or two to tap into what you are seeing, feeling, and experiencing.

This month is a perfect time to get outside and write some nature poetry. All you need is a pencil and a notebook. 

Find a place in nature that feels comfortable. Maybe it is a warm rock near a pond. Or maybe it’s a nice shady place beneath a tree in a park. It could be a trail or an overgrown hayfield, the bank of a stream or a garden.

Sit (or stand) quietly for a few minutes. Breathe in the fresh air. Listen to the sounds around you. Look at the environment as a whole. Then look at individual plants, insects, birds, stones, and other things that are in the environment.

 

List four or five things you observe about something. Maybe you are looking at a flower, or a worm. What do you notice? Write about what you feel, smell, hear.

Create a poem based on your observations. It can be a short poem or a long poem. It doesn’t have to rhyme, but it can. These small poems were written by my kids when they were about 8 or 9 years old.

Once you've written your poem, put it in your pocket so you can carry it around and share it with other people.

Looking for more Poetry Month ideas? Check out Christy Mihaly's wonderful post over at the GROG blog.