Nature, A Poet’s Muse

Nature is a common theme in poetry. Drawn to the beauty and powerful emotions it evokes, and the deep state of harmony, it is a replenishing source of inspiration for authors and poets alike. I’ve often used nature as my own muse as I reflect upon the universe and my relationship with all that dwells therein, and shape those ideas into words and imagery to share with my readers.

Summer is an especially inspirational time as I crawl out of winter’s hibernation and assimilate back into the world. In my region, our warm season is too short, and so I relish these days, basking in the heat, the promise of new life and growth, of peacefulness and serenity. The muse always delivers, and I find myself with pen in hand scratching against paper, capturing my experiences to preserve for eternity.

Poetry is my favourite way to showcase nature – whether it’s directly or symbolically – because it allows me to bundle all my emotions, thoughts, and memories into a tiny yet powerful package. I enjoy the gentle rhythm and cadence, the intense sensations, magical wording, an unveiling of insight and wisdom.

I was in grade 8 when I first discovered my love of writing poetry. My English teacher handed us an assignment to create a poetry book highlighting all the major styles of poetry – sonnets, haikus, limericks, tankas, and free verse, to name a few. It allowed me to delve deeper into my feelings and my surprising new gift at prose, and I cherished the resultant book I created. Unfortunately, it got lost throughout the years, yet I clearly remember the feeling of pride and achievement from completing that assignment. Sure it was just a handwritten, soft-covered cahier with childishly scrawled pictures to accompany each poem, but it was the first book I wrote, nonetheless. And I loved it.

I’ve continued to dabble in poetry into adulthood, and have accrued a tidy collection. Although I have published a few of my pieces in anthologies, I have other unpublished works I’d love to share with the world. Which brings me to a special announcement…

I’m planning to release my very own collection of poetry and short stories!!!

I don’t have an exact timeline for when it will be completed, but it is currently in the works and I will definitely keep you informed of my progress. In the meantime, I wanted to share one of my poems that will be included in the anthology. This poem was originally published in Klass Digest 2021, which is unfortunately no longer available for purchase. So, I’m pulling it out of the archives and giving it fresh life. The poem’s subject follows the theme of nature acting as a muse, using flowers symbolically to communicate the story of my childhood, my introverted nature, my sense of unbelonging, and how I finally discovered that being different wasn’t a flaw, but rather something to embrace.

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Nothing But A Wallflower

Drifting, transient windblown seed.
Seed rife with possibilities.
Twirling, dancing until you fall
Planting below the trellis wall.

Spirited, gentle, verdant sprout.
Figuring what life’s all about.
Climbing, creeping, vine is reaching.
Settle, then the petals breeching. 

Burst forth little wildling flower,
Spread your petals, nature’s power.
Pink bud turns to vibrant blossom
Tender sun-kissed petals, wholesome.

Twisted around the trellis frame
You search for those who look the same.
Perched high you see from overhead
Blooms arranged in a garden bed.

Arranged in perfect little rows
For all to admire as it grows.
Dainty, flawless, the flowers preen.
Blocked by their beauty, you’re unseen.

Lonely little wildling flower,
Wants to join them. They just glower.
Petals reach desperate to fit in.
But they’re too proud to let you in.

You don’t belong within the crowd
Where wallflowers are not allowed.
Garden blossoms all atwitter.
Wildling watches, sweetness bitter.

But watch too long and you will see,
The scene not what it seems to be.
Blinded by the enchanted throng,
At last, discover you were wrong.

Flourishing bright peacock petals,
Beneath their skirts, full of nettles
Masks of loveliness on array
Cloak the scent of their decay.

Comforted to be left apart. 
Kept safe from weeds that choke the heart.
Alone, the wildling does find rest.
And daydreams start to manifest.

Until one day a wild black rose
Beside you on the trellis grows.
Intoxicating and divine,
Petals embracing, vines entwined.

Being unique brings no more shame,
For here is someone who’s the same.
“I’ll never leave you,” both avow.
Nothing but TWO wallflowers, now.

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My hope is that you not only enjoyed this simple little poem, but that I can act as a muse, inspiring you to create your own poetic masterpieces. To discover the passion for prose that I found so long ago in a grade 8 classroom assignment. Savour the rest of your summer, and of course, don’t forget to keep reading!

💋 Lanie Mores