As a genre, poetry seeks to convey vivid images, explore specific yet universal themes, and illuminate the ordinary. So it makes a lot of sense that poets choose, again and again, to write poems about the same topic: nature.
At its simplest, nature poetry can be defined as poetry that “considers nature as subject matter and inspiration,” as poet Wendell Berry once wrote. At its most complex, it might consider the complicated relationship between people and the environment (often called “environmental poetry”) or bring in religious, cultural, and/or social connections.
For those looking to explore the genre, we’ve put together a list of poems, poets, and resources to get you started. Spend some time reading them, preferably out in the natural world. And then write your own poem for our Nature Poetry Competition, judged by Rachel Eliza Griffiths!
“A Small Needful Fact” by Ross Gay
“At the Pousada of Flamingoes” by Astrid Cabral
“Aubade to Langston” by Rachel Eliza Griffiths, WtW Guest Judge
“For a Coming Extinction” by W.S. Merwin
“From ‘understory’” by Craig Santos Perez, WtW Guest Judge
“Haiku” by Hone Tuwhare
“If Oil is Drilled in Bristol Bay” by Dg Nanouk Okpik
“Instructions on Not Giving Up” by Ada Limón
“Iowa City: Early April” by Robert Hass
“Night Rain” by J.P. Clark
“Someone Asks Me To Consider Time” by Carla Panciera, WtW Guest Judge
“Water Devil” by Jamaal May
“Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver
“Worms” by Silham Karami
Book: WtW’s Writers on Earth: New Visions for Our Planet
Resource: Poets.org: Nature Poetry
Resource: Poetry Foundation: Poetry and the Environment
Publication: Ecotone Journal: Reimagining Place
Website: Ecopoesia: Contemporary Latin American Poetry and the Environment
Article: 8 Black Eco-Poets Who Inspire Us
List: 80 Nature Poems
Book: You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World
Writing Competition: River of Words Youth Art & Poetry Initiative