18 Comments
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Mary Beth Kaplan🪶's avatar

Knowing the sweet and small creatures and their names that cohabitate near us is so important. Lovely, James💛

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Heidi Behr, LCSW's avatar

I also love knowing the names of the birds I hear, it feels so good like knowing a friend 💕

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Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne's avatar

“Say their names” practice

honors those who live and die.

Not just for humans.

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Laura Coleman's avatar

Thank you for the lovely poem and writing prompt. Here is my morning reflection:

It’s no small thing to get out of bed, to

Place my feet upon the earth and

Remember this day is a gift, this day

I get to be in a human body, I get to

Feel the breeze and the warm sun rays

I get to breathe with the plants, and

Dance under a gorgeous glowing moon.

This being human can feel so hard and lonely

And then I am touched by the beauty,

I am reminded of my love who cherished

It all, and I say thank you, thank you

For this day.

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James Crews's avatar

Such a lovely poem-response, Laura! I love it.

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Laura Coleman's avatar

Thanks James, I appreciate you reading and sharing. 🙏🏼

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Poetry Tracks In the Snow's avatar

James -I’m taking a Master Naturalist Course to learn about the ecology of NE Minnesota. We learned about Sphagnum Moss on Monday and I wrote a poem with moss in it as well. https://substack.com/@poetrytracks/note/c-156950178?r=p7yb2&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action

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Monoreena A Majumdar(Mocra)'s avatar

It was wonderful to get introduced to your poetry James.

As an urbanite leaning towards nature I felt your poem :)

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Poetry Symposium's avatar

Lovely 🌿

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Michael Ross's avatar

Like a walk through the forest. Wonderful. Thanks.

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Ellen Rowland's avatar

This poem is so wonderful, James. I'm honored that it's inspired in part by my poem. And it's no small thing, and a complete coincidence, (if those even exist) that I wrote and posted a poem today inspired by your poem, "Not the Only Thing" ! Poems in gentle conversation. I'm so grateful for you. ❤️

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Danni Levy's avatar

It is no small thing. These are the types of huge things my mind and heart need right now. Thank you James. 💝

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Alegria de Rose's avatar

It is no small thing to know and find kinship with those smaller creatures. And yet, what a big beautiful thing that is. And when it comes to naming, I actually have names for a few of my favourite trees and creatures that I see frequently. 🤣 Such a lovely post James. Thank you.

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Alyson Shore Adler's avatar

It’s no small thing to honor and praise the natural world that nurtures us. Thanks for your poem and Brad’s beautiful photo.

Most of our ruby thrusted hummingbirds have flown. But there was still one pair at the feeders yesterday….

I’m heading outside on the balcony with my breakfast now…

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James Crews's avatar

Enjoy that time outside! I'm still seeing a few ruby-throated hummers around, but they have dwindled for sure...

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Alyson Shore Adler's avatar

We still have 2 hummers today but the others left for Mexico.

Ps …I’m not anywhere to follow LOL

And thx so much for your poems.

Your prompt “no small thing” gave me a new draft I’m pretty happy with. 🙏

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Art By Anima's avatar

Beautiful 👌💖👏

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Michael Ross's avatar

When I need a cool glass of water for my brain, I will turn to your poetry. Thanks, MIKE

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