I got this softcover from the ongoing charity-sale shelves at a local Hannaford's. It's an anthology of poems, loosely themed on "honoring the Earth," though in some cases it's a bit of a stretch. But there are plenty of lovely entries here that are clearly associated with the theme in one way or another, and even without considering a theme it's a decent collection. The sources range far and wide; I especially liked this chilly Irish entry from the 9th century:

"Here’s my story; the stag cries
Winter snarls as summer dies.

The wind bullies the low sun
in poor light; the seas moan.

Shapeless bracken is turning red,
The wildgoose raises its desperate head.

Birds’ wings freeze where fields are hoary.
The world is ice. That’s my story."

There are Inuit poems, Turkish ones, Greek and Latin, Chinese... a nicely global selection. Check out this earthy little haiku from Basho, 17th century, "written on a journey":

"Fleas, lice;
My horse pisses, right
By my pillow. "

I also learned from this book that the popular song "Comin' Through the Rye" has lyrics rather different than those I learned in school; definitely gets "earthy" points!

More modern poems touch on a variety of topics, including systematic colonialism and the destruction of native cultures - yes, seems odd for "honoring the Earth," though the fact that the poems decry those actions while not forgetting them seems appropriate.

Good, often thought-provoking collection.

I left this book in the Little Free Library on this cold and blustery day; hope someone enjoys it!

[See other recent releases in NH here.]

*** Released for the 2018 Oh the Places We Can Go release challenge. ***

*** Released for the 2018 Four Elements Release Challenge. ***

*** Released for the 2018 Celebrate the Irish release challenge. ***