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Walt Whitman: “Nature is The Only Complete, Actual Poem”

Poetry


“I came out to write a nature poem
out here by the silent trees
cloaked in deep concentration
to prove my mind’s prowess.

Oh, if only the bees would stop buzzing
and the squirrels would hurry with their tasks!
Ah, if the birds would cease chirping
and grant me peace and quiet at last.

I came out to write a nature poem
about squirrels, birds, trees, and me,
but I’ve been dazed with distractions—
think I’ll go for a nature walk to see.

As I steal close to the duck pond,
I find them enraptured in lessons today,
so I sit down to write my nature poem
and hope that they don’t interrupt me.

But an owl hoots at me from a distance,
and the cicadas start to sing,
butterflies pirouette on my shoulders,
Geez, can’t a poet do anything?

I put aside pen and paper
And drift to the red hibiscus
Find a zunzuncito* in midair frisk
diving and fluttering its tail feathers

And I think to myself,
I came out to write a nature poem,
but of poetry writing, I learned this
in attempting to write, I must fuse with it,
for in nature, the poet exists.

*zunzuncito—bee hummingbird.”

In The Shadow of Rainbows:
A Collection of Songs of Presence
by Selma Martin
https://a.co/0QzduPh

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Here’s looking at you, dear friends.
Happy last Monday in November.

Selma Martin
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This Post Has 39 Comments

  1. rajkkhoja

    Very nice write up poem. So beautiful words written in . Lovely & Beauty nature & natural words.
    Tack care, Selma 👏

    1. Selma Martin

      Your words are encouraging, dear Raj. Thanks for reading, liking them and commenting. I’m encouraged. Bless you. Xo

    2. Selma Martin

      Your words are encouraging, dear Raj. Thanks for reading, liking them and commenting. I’m encouraged. Bless you. Xo Xo

      1. rajkkhoja

        Thanks, Selma.bless you too.

  2. Sadje

    A very beautiful and scenic poem Selma

    1. Selma Martin

      So happy you think that—I so remember the moment when I wrote that one for the book. Thanks for your constant support, Sadje. Be well. Xo

      1. Sadje

        It’s a pleasure. I do remember it from your lovely b book.

        1. Selma Martin

          You’re the best. Thanks for remembering. Xoxo

          1. Sadje

            Of course my friend 🩷

  3. VJ

    This is so wonderful. I sit in my sunroom, with nature at all angles and think the very same – I could write something marvellous if only nature stopped intervening, lol

    1. Selma Martin

      Right? If only… nature is a temptress. 😂 so beautiful, she is.
      Well, let’s persevere and fuse with her, VJ. We must. Thanks for the lovely comment. Xo

      1. VJ

        🥰 Good idea!

  4. DAP

    Beautiful!

  5. dorahak

    A lesson learned—and enjoyed! Loved this one, Selma, its humor and its wisdom. Just perfection.😍 ❤️

  6. Kajal

    Such a beautiful poem, Selma ❣️

  7. memadtwo

    A poem about writing a poem–excellent! (K)

    1. Selma Martin

      Happy to at this poem brought out a pleasant memory you like. The cottage: gorgeous. Xoxo

  8. Ingrid

    Nature is so full of poetry, and your poem is a beautiful celebration of this, Selma!

    1. Selma Martin

      Aww. Thanks, Ingrid. We are nature. 🤗 🍂 🐿️ 💐 🦆 ✨

    1. Selma Martin

      Thanks for saying, sweet lady. I’m glad you don’t mind the repetition. We need to really listen to what nature is teaching.
      Hey, Cheryl. Hope all is well. Been thinking about you. Bee well, lady Bee 🐝

  9. Maria Michaela

    This is so beautiful. All stress will be rid of for sure

    1. Selma Martin

      Thanks for appreciating this poem, dear Lauren. Happy for this comment. Be well, Amiga. Happy last day of November. Xo 🤗

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