Romantic Poetry is Nature Poetry

Today we think about romantic poetry as poems about love, but the poetry of the romantic era was more often about the powerful emotions felt in nature.  Now, we associate nature with romance (long walk on the beach, a gift of flowers, etc.) because of the strong influence of the Romantics.  Even as we read and write contemporary poetry we continue to see the connections between nature and emotions.  Look for it in these:

"In the Summer" by Nizar Qabbani

This is Summer by S.M.(M).L.

A moment so hot and rich,
drink from a garden hose to refresh.
Grasshoppers screech in long grasses, just
before they are swathed and lay limpid.
It beats on and on, too fast
to hold on to. 

We hope moments like these last forever.
They do.  Subconsciously we drink 
from them all out lives--sustenance
for innocence long forgotten.  

How To:

1. Step into nature and look for what inspires you.  Could be:

• Simple as the season
• A fond memory
• Found object that draws you in . . .

2. Consider it:

• What are you doing in the season?
• What is it LIKE? Try using a SIMILE--use like or as to make a comparison
• What emotions do you feel?

3. Jot:

• Short phrases
• 1-2 stanzas
• Leave it.  
  • Notice how both poems above leave a sense of longing, not closure.  

4. Post your poem as a comment!