Featured Micro Poetry: Summer

Exploring the Beauty of Nature Through Poetry

Poetry has a unique ability to capture the essence of nature and human experience in a few carefully chosen words. In this post, we will explore five of Bridget's evocative poems that highlight the beauty and complexity of the natural world during summertime. Each poem paints a vivid picture, inviting readers to reflect on their own connections to nature.

The Weight of Beauty

Heads bowed with the weight

of cultivated beauty

field of sunflowers

a field of sunflowers, trees and a ridge in the distance

This poem evokes the image of sunflowers, their heads bending under the weight of their own beauty. Unlike sunflowers in the wild, which have smaller flowers, humans have cultivated these to produce more seeds for oil. It suggests a sense of reverence for nature's artistry and the effort put into cultivating such splendor. The poem also hints at something deeper about society's beauty standards, and how difficult it can be for us to try to carry the weight of others expectations, when it can look effortless from the outside.

Heart of the Matter

Ohio at heart

knee high the 4th of July

sweet corn on the cob

a roadside cornfield, red barn and silo in the distance

In this brief yet impactful poem, the celebration of Independence Day is intertwined with the simple pleasure of sweet corn. It captures a nostalgic moment that many can relate to, evoking the warmth of summer and the joys of harvest. Imagine driving by fields of corn, or monitoring the progress of your backyard garden. Corn is a connection and a constant between Bridget's childhood home in Ohio and her current home in the Shenandoah Valley.

Secret Garden

Found a pleasant place

where lightning bugs spend their days

promised not to tell

close up of green leaves

This poem brings to life a secret spot where one can witness the magic of lightning bugs. Bridget came upon a firefly nursery inside her backyard garden. Again we sense the conflict and presence of society, where pesticides and manicured lawns threaten the larvae of many species, including fireflies. The promise of secrecy adds an element of intimacy, inviting readers to cherish their own hidden treasures in nature.

Old Country Buffet

Help yourself

first come first serve

wildflower meadow

a flock of birds flies over recently plowed fields

Here, the imagery of a wildflower meadow is compared to a buffet, suggesting abundance and the freedom to indulge in nature's offerings. It celebrates the idea of enjoying the simple pleasures that the natural world provides. Bridget's nostalgia here is for a restaurant she visited with family as a child which was a symbol of both abundance and frugality much like a wildflower meadow.

No More Tears

A long tangled mess

of wavy hair - unruly

like wildflowers

A colorful wildflower meadow

A This poem draws a parallel between unruly hair and wildflowers, both embodying a sense of freedom and natural chaos. It reflects the beauty found in disorder and the charm of authenticity in both nature and human experience. Bridget was looking at the Wild Carrot plants in her own wildflower garden recalling a time in childhood where her long hair was frequently tangled, and she'd ask her parents to just "smooth it into a bun" to avoid having to reckon with the knots.

Conclusion

These five poems each offer a unique perspective on nature in summertime, highlighting its beauty, complexity, and the emotions it evokes. Through their concise language and vivid imagery, they remind us of the importance of appreciating the natural world around us, and of recognizing our own humanity and relationship to that world. Whether it’s the weight of sunflowers or the joy of sweet corn, there is a richness in these experiences that resonates deeply.