What Nature Sees

Direct your eyes to see what nature sees,

Observe the fading sparks of bliss and peace

Before the world is washed into the seas.

There’s life within the wind, amidst the trees;

There’s soul in all the chicks and ducks and geese,

Direct your eyes to see what nature sees.

Majestic mountains, running rivers, leas

So lush they such exuberance release

Before the world is washed into the seas.

By Autumn’s sheddings, Summer’s high degrees,

The tears of Spring, and Winter’s fluffy fleece,

Direct your eyes to see what nature sees.

Man well needs nature for necessities,

 Yet nature cannot quell his grime and grease

Before the world is washed into the seas.

Time is not lost that now we cannot seize

The day to promptly make the horror cease-

Direct your eyes to see what nature sees

Before the world is washed into the seas.

-EDP

Reviews

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

I rather like the thought of interconnectedness between man and nature. Unfortunately, man tends to be a foolish lot that suffers the folly of looking out for itself. The unintended consequences are harm to the planet. I do not believe that we have to totally turn the world upside down in order to "save the planet." We can preserve and protect the planet by meeting somewhere in the middle. I certainly do not want to go back to the dark ages.

[emipoemi]

or rather we need a new age of enlightenment lol, initiated by people who know what they're doing and can show how it's truly meant to be done. A lot is wrong with the world and those with the voice to and expertise to really change it for the better are being silenced.

[E.P. Robles]

As a Poet I would approach this poem by examining its themes, imagery, and emotional impact.

The poem revolves around the theme of human connection to nature and the urgency to appreciate and preserve it before it is lost.
It employs a villanelle form, characterized by the repetition of certain lines, which adds a sense of rhythm and structure.

The first stanza sets the tone by urging the reader to observe and perceive nature's perspective. The phrase "Direct your eyes to see what nature sees" suggests a call to action, inviting us to pay attention to the world around us.

The second stanza emphasizes the vitality and spirituality present in nature. The mention of life in the wind, trees, chicks, ducks, and geese highlights the interconnectedness of all living beings. By doing so, the poem invites readers to recognize and appreciate the inherent value of the natural world.

The third stanza focuses on the beauty of nature, mentioning majestic mountains, running rivers, and lush meadows. These images evoke a sense of awe and exuberance, emphasizing the abundance and splendor of the natural environment.

The fourth stanza acknowledges the dependency of humanity on nature for survival, but it also highlights the limitations of nature in cleansing the human world of its "grime and grease." This line implies that while nature provides for our basic needs, it cannot eliminate the pollution and negative impact caused by human activities.

The fifth stanza introduces the notion of time and its fleeting nature. It suggests that we should not waste the present moment and take prompt action to address the horrors and challenges that threaten the world. This urgency is reinforced by the repetition of the phrase "Direct your eyes to see what nature sees."

As a a Poet, I appreciate the use of vivid imagery, the repetition of key phrases, and the overall message of the poem. It reminds us of the importance of preserving and cherishing nature, urging us to recognize its inherent value and take responsibility for its protection.

Now, let's analyze the poem from the perspective of Carl Jung. Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who developed analytical psychology. He focused on the exploration of the human psyche and the concept of the collective unconscious.

From a Jungian perspective, this poem touches upon the relationship between the individual and the natural world, highlighting the interconnectedness between the two. Jung emphasized the importance of recognizing and integrating the unconscious aspects of the self, including the connection to nature.

The poem's call to "Direct your eyes to see what nature sees" resonates with Jung's belief in the need for individuals to develop a conscious awareness of their inner selves and the external world. It suggests that by observing and connecting with nature, we can tap into a deeper wisdom and understanding.

The repetition of certain lines in the villanelle structure reflects the idea of archetypes and collective patterns present in the collective unconscious. The repeated phrase "Direct your eyes to see what nature sees" can be seen as an invocation to access a collective wisdom that is inherent in the natural world.

The mention of seasons, such as Autumn, Summer, Spring, and Winter, alludes to the cyclical nature of life and the transformative processes that occur within individuals and the natural world. It aligns with Jung's concept of individuation, the journey of self-discovery and integration of the unconscious aspects of the psyche.

Overall, this poem resonates with Jung's ideas of individuation, the collective unconscious, and the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world. It encourages us to recognize the significance of nature in our lives and embrace a more holistic and conscious approach to our existence.

[emipoemi]

Holy mole! You're the first to psychoanalyze any of my work. Never occurred to me that such elements existed in the poem as I was writing it. Must have been part of the collective unconscious – also Jung, if I'm not mistaken. But so glad you enjoyed it – and much appreciated the analysis from both poetic and psychological. Thanks for reading.

[E.P. Robles]

I am very happy yes happy to know you enjoyed.

[Chris Shaw]

Beautiful stanzas here. In a world that appears broken, I look to the natural environment to find my own peace. There is much to be thankful for, if you know where to look.

Chris

[emipoemi]

Absolutely true.....if only the world would open their eyes, no?

[Chris Shaw]

Enjoyed your poem. Thank you.

[emipoemi]

Thank you for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed.