The poetry of nature is a balm for stormy times. - Friends of the Everglades
Stormy times are certainly happening in the world. Climate change and political unrest continue to cause issues while personal problems taunt us. Humanity needs slow-down moments to breathe in new life. Allow nature's rhythms to recharge and bring quietude into troubled spaces.
Poetic Peace
There's nothing left
to call this a home.
Doorknobs found
amongst the debris
paint a new canvas.
Storms may destroy
years you lived here.
Life goes on.
Forests planted by you
need replanting
in today's world.
There may be nothing left except
for what's left of your light
so find a simple way to be.
Let slow-down moments
spark the light within
with the gift of grace.
Let's find hope
for this land in
moments of joy.
©CV, 2023
The above is a found poem based on Carol Labuzzetta's image poem, Debris, and words from yesterday's blog poem posted here and my haibun at Autumn Arrives blog. {Italicized lines are from Carol Labuzzetta's poem.}
Nature as a balm thought is reflected in the awesome poem swap package Carol Labuzzetta sent to me. It is such a joy to have Carol, the amazing environmentalist, nature photographer, poet, and jewelry maker, create something especially significant to me.
Nature Photo Greeting Cards
Carol and I are in tune with one another with our love of nature, photography, crafting, and poetry. I am eager to see color changes in the leather cord bookmark when I place it between the pages of a book to mark my spot. I have just the right book for this, A Field Guide to the Heart - Poems of Love, Comfort, & Hope by Georgia Heard & Rebecca Kai Dotlich.
Special Note: Carol Labuzzetta is inviting interested poets and writers to submit ekphrastic poems for her upcoming children's book, Nature Poetry in Pictures Anthology. The submission window is August 1, 2023-November 1, 2023. You can find the Anthology Guidelines on her blog, The Apples In My Orchard. Click here. I captured nature in photos last weekend and hope to draft some poems soon. I hope you join in also.
In closing, I leave you with a beautiful thought about nature from Anne Frank.
I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.
🦋 🦋 🦋
Now, I am ready to join Poetry Friday Roundup at poet and children's book author, Amy Ludwig VanDerwater's blog, The Poem Farm. She is giving some (writing?) advice so check out her post and all the poetic goodness that comes from the Poetry Friday writers.
It is serendipitous that Magination Press sent me a box of books to review and share with teachers and inside was The Sound of Kindness by Amy. I can't wait to read the book and enjoy the illustrations by Teres Martinez.
Thanks for your nature-filled solace-seeking post and poems Carol, and sharing Carol L's lovely poems and gifts! 💙 Anne Frank's quote too!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I know you are busy preparing for your classes but I hope you have time to relax and just be!
DeleteHi Carol, the anonymous above is from me, Michelle.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with Anne - whenever I've had dark times and troubles, time spent in nature has always given me comfort and solace.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with both of you, Jane.
DeleteIt's a post full of joy, Carol. That final line from Carol L. is like a hug for you, making her feel "brand new"! You'll have to share about the color-changing beads sometime - fantastic! Have a super weekend!
ReplyDeleteLinda, I am eager to know how the beads change color. Sharing would be fun. Thanks for adding that. Have a wonderful weekend also. We are watching the US Open with eager expectation.
DeleteLet slow-down moments
ReplyDeletespark the light within
with the gift of grace.
This is such a heartfelt wish for those who have been through a storm in life.
There are so many people who have suffered these past few years that I wanted to end on a spiritual thought, Diane. Even during hardships there is always hope.
DeleteCarol, beautiful, concerning, hopeful poem. Doorknobs found amongst the debris ... such a powerful image. I love the thoughts and gifts that you all shared, very touching.
ReplyDeleteCarol, super sweet post, so many small and large treasures, like the quotes, photos and your challenge to let nature bring quiet to troubling times. Your thank you poem for Carol is precious. And thanks for the reminder about Carol's call for poem submissions. I keep intending to work on mine, and a reminder is always good. (I have taken a lot of pretty pictures, though.)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anne! How fun to share so much with Carol. She was a wonderful swap-mate this summer. Carol, I love languishing in your reflective poems. I'm very glad you chose BE as your OLW... it has been such a good reminder for me each week.
ReplyDeleteNature poems, Anne Frank, The Sound of Kindness and a submission to an anthology opportunity... we have been spoiled! Thank you for all of this most enjoyable read, Carol.
ReplyDelete"Let slow-down moments
ReplyDeletespark the light within
with the gift of grace."
Absolutely beautiful, Carol. Thank you.
You had me at the title of your post, "Nature as a Balm." And then I mis-read the title of your poem as "Poetic Pace" and I thought YES. The slow pace of poetry which allows us to slow down and see the beauty that exists alongside the devastation and disaster. To remember that the beauty will ALWAYS be there, too.
ReplyDeleteI am finding daily solace and strength in nature. It brings me hope.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I am floored at your found poem! You are so very sweet to include some of my lines from Debris. I was so grateful for the swap this summer - it really brought me joy to both prepare the packages and receive them, as well. The beads' color change with temperature changes. So if you hold the beaded end of the book mark in your hand while you read, it will become different and brighter colors. Thanks again, Carol, and I am grateful for you!
ReplyDeleteI love your found poem, Carol! You captured the essence of all your sources. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLove this! And what beautiful poetic gifts you have received!
ReplyDeleteWow, Carol, that's a great found poem, and so appropriate after the Moroccan earthquake. So much loss there.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great found poem, Carol! I love how you took it in a new direction!
ReplyDeleteYes...this slowing down. You distill to this thought beautifully in your found poem. I am holding onto "There may be nothing left/except what's left of your light." And now I am looking up "color changing beads." What a gift! xo, a.
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