avatarJenny Justice

Summary

The article "Climate Changed" reflects on the romanticized portrayal of nature in poetry, contrasting it with the harsh realities of climate change that alter natural landscapes and experiences.

Abstract

The piece "Climate Changed" by Jenny Justice delves into the dissonance between idyllic representations of nature in poetry and the stark transformations occurring due to climate change. While poets often celebrate the beauty of a grain of sand, the serenity of a walk in the woods, and the whisper of the wind, they frequently omit the grim truth of these natural elements under threat. Sand dunes are succumbing to rising waters, forests are turning into infernos, and gentle breezes are becoming scarce. The article underscores the urgency of acknowledging these changes, as the once pleasant walks in the woods are now hindered by extreme heat, signaling the disappearance of these natural havens.

Opinions

  • The author suggests that traditional nature poetry overlooks the current environmental crisis.
  • There is a critical need to address the transformation of natural elements due to climate change.
  • The romanticized view of nature in poetry is at odds with the ecological degradation taking place.
  • The article implies a call to action for poets and writers to include the realities of climate change in their work.
  • The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing the impact of climate change on personal experiences with nature.

Climate Changed

What we often leave out when we get poetic about nature

Photo Credit: UnSplash

People write poems about nature the beauty in a grain of sand the blessings of a walk in the woods the wind blowing through the branches of trees.

But leave out how all of this is dying away, Or changing beyond recognition.

As sand becomes water Trees become fire And breezes become rare.

And it’s too hot for anyone to take a walk in the disappearing woods.

Jenny Justice 2019

Jenny Justice is a mom, Sociology instructor, and writer. You can follow her on Medium and at Jenny Justice, Writer, for more insightful articles, essays on empathy and introversion, and all other things nerdy, kind, spiritual, and informative when it comes to education (top writer!), parenting (top writer!), kids, culture, poetry, equality, self and social justice.

Poetry
Climate Change
Nature
Environment
Nature Writing
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