Touching Grass via Poetry
midway check in for You are Here: Poetry in the Natural World
Northern lights in our skies
Plants that grow and open your mind
Things that swim with a neon glow
How we all got here, nobody knows
These are real things
These are real things
Oh, what a world, don't wanna leave
All kinds of magic all around us, it's hard to believe
Thank God it's not too good to be true
Oh, what a world, and then there is you
Oh, What a World, Kacey Musgraves
Reading Update
When I first picked this anthology up, I was under a LOT of work related stress. The introduction felt inspirational, and I felt like I wanted to write nature poem of my own once done. The first poem (by Carrie Fountain) felt like a lullaby where my only task was to focus on the sway of words as it took my mind’s eye on a natural journey. My mind touched grass.
Starting this book while listening to the audiobook We Will Be Jaguars by Nemonte Nenquimo also added a layer to my experience since it had me thinking of all the ways our natural resources are exploited and our role as an individual in its complicity. Living on my island of Puerto Rico, I do feel a deep connection to the land, but not even close as the indigenous Taínos. Even Nenquimo felt as though she was losing her way in nature just by spending some time in the city; she depicts forgetting to *see* the forest. My thoughts were: will I ever sing with all the colors of the mountain or paint with all the colors of the wind? Ok. Ok. But seriously, could we ever find that connection again? Could I?
-Janice
Your Reading So Far
How is your reading going?
Which poems have stood out to you the most so far, and why?
Has anything surprised you about the collection, either in style, theme, or tone?
How does You Are Here compare to other poetry collections you’ve read, if any?
Are there any recurring images, symbols, or themes you’ve noticed?
What are some critiques you have thus far?
Thoughts and Feelings
How has this collection made you feel? Has it brought comfort, unease, nostalgia, or something else?
Which poem (or line) resonated with you the most on a personal level?
Have these poems changed the way you think about the natural world or your place in it?
Touching Grass
How you find ways to connect with your natural surroundings? Is reading poetry one of them?
When was the last time you were able to pause and appreciate nature? Do any of the poems harken to that experience?
Don’t forget to like the post before you go ♥
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation in our new Discord server! We’d love to hear your reflections on You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World.
Let’s keep the discussion going! 🌿📖✨
