I treated myself to an early birthday present on Tuesday, and bought a copy of J. Patrick Lewis’s latest anthology, National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry. What a treasure! Like it’s companion volume, National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry, it is filled with stunning photographs and beautiful, evocative poetry. And it’s exciting to see the work of so many Poetry Friday regulars in this collection! Congratulations to Matt, Kelly, Charles, Mary Lee, Julie, B.J., Laura, Amy, April, and Janet! (So sorry if I missed anyone!) And what would a collection of nature poetry be without poems by Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Georgia Heard, Marilyn Singer, Naomi Shihab Nye, Jane Yolen, and more. I know I’ll be savoring this book for weeks to come.
Many classics are also included, and I was happy to see this old favorite:
“The Morns Are Meeker Than They Were”
The morns are meeker than they were,
The nuts are getting brown;
The berry’s cheek is plumper,
The rose is out of town.
The maple wears a gayer scarf;
The field a scarlet gown.
Lest I should be old-fashioned,
I’ll put a trinket on.
by Emily Dickinson
If you haven’t gotten a copy of this gorgeous book yet, don’t delay! In the meantime, be sure to visit Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, whose wonderful poem “Petrified Forest” is included in the book, at The Poem Farm for the Poetry Friday Round Up.
Reading to the Core 
Thanks for another great recommendation! I’ve added it to my Amazon cart. PS – gorgeous photo.
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Such a perfect, perfect poem for today! The hill behind our house is full of colorful trinkets…and I just may wear my red corn necklace in celebration. Happy happy Poetry Friday! xo
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My copy came this week, too. I considered writing about it, so it’s right here next to me. I love the synergy of Poetry Friday, so much rich talent here.
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I love nature, and I love poetry. Looks like an amazing collection! Will have to put that on my To Read list!!!
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I will have to read it! That’s a great poem by Emily Dickinson. This morning our maple tree had turkey baubles plumping up its limbs. I watched at least 10 flap and gobble to the ground, looking started and hungry when they hit the ground.
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This one is definitely on my list. Thanks for sharing the Dickinson poem — so beautiful and timeless. And Happy Birthday!
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I just got a copy as well– this weekend I’m diving in! Wishing you a glorious birthday, Catherine, and many lovely trinkets.
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Mine is on its way, sure it will be a pleasure, Catherine. Happy Birthday, & be sure to wear a trinket like Emily!
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Can’t wait to get my hands on this book, Catherine!
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I’m waiting, rather impatiently, for my copy to arrive! Thanks for giving me a peek!
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I want it, I want it, I want it. It is on my wish list. I’ll bet it’s spectacular.
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It is indeed a treasure of words and pictures to savor over and over again! (Thanks for the props!) Happy Poetic Birthday!
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