May We Learn from the Earth

by Robert J. Tiess

Genre: Poetry / Nature

Print Length: 258 pages

A wonderful and timely tribute to our planet

“May We Learn from the Earth” by Robert J. Tiess is an engaging and accessible resource that beautifully combines a deep appreciation for nature with thought-provoking insights into the modern environment. This collection goes beyond mere admiration by offering readers a wealth of useful essays, references, and a glossary, making it a valuable educational tool.

Tiess divides the book into two parts and ten chapters, encompassing a wide range of topics such as Earth, education, natural history, geography, philosophy, flora, fauna, the sea, and the sky. While most of the poems in the collection fall under the category of “nature poems,” Tiess introduces the concept of eco-poetry, defining it as ecologically mindful poems that encourage us to reevaluate our relationship with nature.

Among the many compelling poems in the collection, “Sequoia Wisdom,” “To the Susquehanna River,” “Ecology 101,” and “Mostly Water” stand out as poignant examples. In “Mostly Water,” Tiess paints a serene scene where the brook becomes a companion on a thoughtful journey, matching the narrator’s pace and offering solace.

While the poetry in “May We Learn from the Earth” captivates readers, Tiess goes beyond verse and delivers impactful essays that prompt objective contemplation of pressing environmental issues. Successfully presenting both concern and calm, Tiess advocates for unity instead of alarmism. The book also provides valuable resources, including lists of nature poets, recommended earth books, and websites for further exploration.

The concluding discussions in the book excel at tying everything together. “Crafting a Creed for the Earth” offers readers a meaningful opportunity to engage with the idea of caring for the planet. By highlighting humanity’s historical underestimation of nature, “Earth Empathy” encourages readers to adopt a new perspective, one that considers how Earth and its flora and fauna react to human treatment. It exemplifies Tiess’s subject matter and is a must-read.

“May We Learn from the Earth” is a delightful collection that melds nature poems with insightful reflections on the environment. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to lovers of eco-poetry, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking to deepen their environmental consciousness or explore climate change from an alternative viewpoint. Robert J. Tiess skillfully imparts wisdom and encourages readers to appreciate and learn from the Earth’s wonders.