Poems and Other Writings

This page is dedicated to "singing" the landscapes of our inner ecology and earth to life. Each month, together we'll explore a new poem or piece of writing. We'll see how language that focuses on the particulars of the outer wilderness, can return us to the truth of our inner wilderness.

Please feel free to ponder the questions elicited by the poem below. Memorize a stanza or two. Write a poem of your own. And, if you like, please email me with your own observations, poetry, and thoughts. I'd love to hear from you.

December's Poem:

Sonnet Approaching Solstice

I take days off that celebrate themselves–
walk miles into the iridescent hills,
pause long at lakes alive with light that spills
from sun to tree igniting every cell
of every leaf, green conflagration spread
to water, wild down rapids, up into
the wind aflame with light, consuming all
things touched, all seen, till sight itself burns red
in fusion unconstrained. Ah then, breathe in
pure incense of spring day, motion the air
wash over you and cleanse and carry clear
all agitation. Then be bathed within.
Breathe deep the life that through you seeks new birth.
Become the light the first star sparked towards earth.

© William Carney

• When did you last take a day to explore nature? The poet walked miles in iridescent hills and paused to watch the light on lakes. Where did you go? What did you see? What feelings arose in you in as noticed the world about you?
  
  
• How would our lives – and this world – be different if we became the light the first star sparked toward earth?
  
  
• As you feel yourself aflame with light imagine all the things you would bless with your radiance. Make a list. Write a poem to celebrate all that you are ready to illuminate with your inner light.
  
  

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