The Nature of Things

The Nature of Things

A breeze ripples the lake
Making it move and come alive
A wind dances between the trees
Making them sway joyfully
Nature complements nature
The night makes bloom the Cereus
The dew coats the land like a canopy
In the distance, far from earth
The sun appears as a gem
Rising like a sapphire
Creating wavelets of golden honey
It is guilty of fanfaronade
As it stages a boastful blaze
The birds greet it with songs
Every element of nature
Gives beauty to another
We are the spectators and
Protectors of such beauty

During the time I spend in the park, I spent time standing still, sitting, listening, observing, and thinking. Sometimes, I wouldn’t think at all, but let my surroundings awaken thoughts that I myself could not provoke. I took the suggestion of Mary Oliver- to be still and learn how to be astonished. It was an exercise that took effort, but I believe even Lectio Divina and other class exercises helped prepare me for that moment. Soaking in the beauty and wonder around us is almost a forgotten art. So easily we pass by the moments that give quality to life.

The main idea that inspired the poem I wrote was the attitude of nature. Nature cares for itself, gives life, and beauty to the rest of it. Nothing stands alone. There is a dependency and selflessness about it and how it works. Lessons can be taught just by observing the interdependency of the world around us. It is truly quite astonishing and humbling. This also placed in me a greater sense of responsibility. What is our job as the likeness of God in regards to the Earth? This question arose in me. If nature knows its place and how to take care of itself, how come we cannot meet those standards as well? All the Earth and everything in it has been given to mankind to guard and benefit from. Mary Oliver also spoke about this- the holy stewardship that we should dutifully accomplish.

I also noticed that writing about nature was very fluent once observation was followed thoroughly. Observation is the main key I believe. Trying to compare elements in nature with other elements really brought the descriptions to life- like the sun as a golden sapphire. Also giving objects in nature personalities or attitudes, such as the boastful sun, dancing wind, joyful trees. All these things helped me knit the words together for the poem.

I went to Lake Bonny Park for this assignment, and I stayed there for at least 40 minutes.