avatarErika Burkhalter

Summary

The website content is a poetic reflection on the interconnectedness of the author, Erika Burkhalter, with nature, as she describes the intimate exchange of breath between herself and the Earth during a rainy day, accompanied by her own photographs and a sound recording of the poem.

Abstract

The author, Erika Burkhalter, shares a deeply personal and sensory experience of unity with nature in her poem "I Breathed with the Earth." Through vivid imagery and descriptive language, she paints a picture of a harmonious moment where the boundaries between herself and the natural world dissolve. The poem is complemented by a series of her own photographs, capturing the essence of the natural elements she describes, such as dew on kumquat skins, satin-slicked rose petals, and a hummingbird in the rain. Burkhalter emphasizes the importance of hearing the poem to fully appreciate its rhythm and cadence, providing a recording of her recitation. The website also invites readers to explore other works by the author, including photo-essays and poems that continue the theme of harmony with the universe and nature's beauty.

Opinions

  • The author believes that to truly understand a poem, it must be heard, emphasizing the auditory experience of poetry.
  • Erika Burkhalter values the sensory experiences of nature, as evidenced by the detailed descriptions of textures, sights, and scents in the poem.
  • The author conveys a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world, seeing it as a source of inspiration and spiritual connection.
  • Burkhalter's work suggests that she finds moments of transcendence and peace in the simple act of being present with nature.
  • The inclusion of her own photography indicates that the author sees visual art as a complementary medium to enhance the poetic experience.
  • The recommendation of her other works implies that the author views her collection of poems and photo-essays as interconnected pieces that reflect her worldview and creative expression.

I Breathed with the Earth

and she breathed with me

“Rose skins slicked with rain.” Photo ©Erika Burkhalter

I breathed with the earth, and she breathed with me.

It was a hushed and drippy breath, the sort that coalesces into shimmering orbs on kumquat skins and slicks the petals of the rose to satin.

Her exhale rimmed the fine hairs of the borage, gilding them with heaven’s halo.

And the daffodils, those golden trumpets of spring, boldly wore diamonds around their ruffling necks.

The thin stems of the nasturtiums held up entire universes of dewdrops, cradled in the crooks of their rounded leaves.

And the apple tree unfurled a mystic’s ball from a nascent bud,

while the hummingbird buzzed through the scattered mist, its iridescence kissed by rain.

I closed my eyes and breathed her in, welcoming the scent of the moss’ essence and the soil’s perfume tickling the back of my throat.

I breathed with the earth, and she breathed with me, whispering songs of nature’s harmony.

Daffodils with diamonds. Photo ©Erika Burkhalter
Borage, gilded with heaven’s halo. Photo ©Erika Burkhalter.
A “Universe on a Nasturtium. Photo ©Erika Burkhalter
Nascent bud on the apple tree with a “mystic’s ball.” Photo ©Erika Burkhalter.
Hummingbird in the rain. Photo ©Erika Burkhalter

I believe that to truly understand a poem, it needs to be heard. To hear the rhythm, the cadence, the emphasis, please listen to my recording of “I Breathed with the Earth”:

I hope that you enjoyed this “dream poem” inspired by the rain and a love of nature, and birthed from slumber.

You might also enjoy:

A photo-essay about my “yoga kitties”:

A poem about allowing yourself to merge with the universe:

A poem about a timeless moment in the arctic:

A little tale about a dove, a sparrow, snowflakes and world peace:

Poem and all photos ©Erika Burkhalter

Poetry
Photography
Spirituality
Mindfulness
Nature
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