Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Writing Short Poems Hiking And Nature Themes

By Christa Jarvis


Poetry is human life set to rhythm, so everything is subject matter. Nothing inspires people more than nature, unless it's love. Famous poets strike chords in every heart with the beauty of their expression, and many of them write short poems hiking theme. There are also online poems which are fun to read and to write. The internet has opened up a way for all to share their feelings and impressions with others.

A hike is different from a walk. A walk can be through a parking lot, around a mall, on a sidewalk, or through a community park. Hikes almost have to be in the woods and/or the mountains. Walking is good for your health. Hiking is good for your soul. On a walk, a bottle of water is refreshment. On a hike, it may mean the difference between making the summit and being carried down.

Hikers get off paved streets and sidewalks to explore the mountains, see deer in their home woods, listen to creeks running over rocks, and breathe air that only plants have handled. They make a special effort to get ready, set aside a whole block of time, and dedicate themselves to a day or a month or a year of special adventure. They follow the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, climb Old Rag, or find some other challenge and reward.

Anyone who likes this pastime will know what Gerard Manley Hopkins meant when he wrote of 'dappled things.' Sunlight falling through leaves onto the trail, fallen logs speckled with fungi, and the gleam of multi-colored pebbles through running water recall passages of his poetry.

The phrase, 'the march of the mountains', may ring a bell. This line was penned by Stephen Crane, author of 'The Red Badge Of Courage'. Anyone who gets high enough for a good view of the rank on rank of peaks in any major mountain range knows what Crane meant. The majesty of mountains is enough to bring out the poet in anyone. Robert Frost, who needs no introduction, wrote 'The Mountain', a poem full of visual pictures and the touch of mystery that mountains have always inspired.

Poets thrill to nature, using it as metaphor for human emotions and experiences. Emily Dickinson uses her unique perspective and syntax to create some of America's most beautiful and succinct verse. She writes a lot about bees; 'The Bee Is Not Afraid Of Me' is obviously inspired by an excursion into a wooded area far from downtown.

The memories of the trail reawaken while hikers sit at home in cozy chairs, reading great poetry. A hike is an adventure, a breaking-away from daily routine and entering another world where humans are small in scale and importance. However, the activity is significant in a way that mowing the grass or watching afternoon football will never be.

Knowing how people have felt through the ages about natural beauty encountered back of beyond helps hikers give shape to their impressions. That is valuable, even if they never write short poems of their own.




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