There’s a language carved into the core of our beings, flowing through the bones of all of us.

It comes alive when we mention our “roots”, the “season” we’re in, and the growth we “bloom” through. We are nothing without nature. The natural world not only influences us but has also created and shaped us. In a world so technologically attuned, a moment spent acknowledging nature grounds us instantly. 

Your journal can become your garden.

Metaphorical poetry illuminates our connection to the elements. It transforms our everyday words to the tongue of our ancestors. The ties between metaphors and nature open a doorway into the depths of our souls.

“I am in a bright season.”

“A wave of healing is washing over me.”

“My heart is a river of flooded emotions.”

We speak the earth’s language without even thinking about it. Go ahead, skim your journal entries and see just how connected you already are. If your aim is strengthening your bond to Mother Nature, your journal is a beautiful place to begin.

Dive into the nature prompts below to transform your love to blooming flowers and strength to fire. These are only the beginning. From these prompts, elaborate on your poetry as the tides of poetry pull you along.

To Root:

• Design a haiku using a metaphor honoring your roots.
• “When I deepen my roots, I expect to grow ____.”
• “Underground, I am quietly strengthening my connection to ___ .”
• “The soil surrounding me nourishes me by ____ .”

To Flow:

• “The tides within are pulling me toward ____ .”
• Write a freeform poem acknowledging your connection to your favorite body of water.
• What would it look like to be the ocean? Pen a poem as though you were.
• “Rain has cleansed me of ____. “

To Shed:

• Create a metaphor comparing the changing of leaves to your season of renewal.
• “I allow the wind to carry away ____.”
• “Currently, I am moving from _(current season)_ into _(season you feel arriving)_.”
• “The beauty in the falling of the leaves in my life is ___.”

To Bloom:

• “Within this new beginning, I am a _____ blooming.”
• “My becoming feels like shades of ____.”
• Honor where your heart has been hidden. Pen an ode to your true inner self giving them permission to shine through radiantly.
• “Storms have taught me to ____ .”

For nature prompt inspiration check out Ada Limon’s book!

You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World