Among damp leaves, in our front yard,
a spotted salamander lies.
A nest of eggs it does guard....
from bugs and other eyes.
Its solitude I just have jarred.
I think for both it was a surprise.
With my finger I feel its skin;
it is cool, and still as a smooth stone.
To harm its nest would be a sin,
but I take a photo with my phone.
Then over my face there comes a grin.
I step back, leaving it alone.
What other wonders are there hid
from unseeing eyes of Man?
Though I've seen a lot since I was a kid,
if I try harder I know I can....
see much more by lifting the lid....
which covers Mother Nature's span.
I like this poem very much. You establish an immediate rapport with the creature with your gentle stroking of its skin. And then leaving it and its young in the peace of nature is wonderful. Your poem reminds me of the tone and content of D H.Lawrence's poems about animals and higher praise cannot be given than that association. I agree with you about that cant regarding nature proves god's existence. Nature is a hodge-podge, not an orderly thoughtout pattern.
Yes, by lifting the lid of Nature, you can see many more wonders! I have heard that in Pensylvania, there are many salamanders though we were taught earlier that they are extinct creatures! I enjoyed your poem, but more the poet's note! I will definitely tell God that there lives a man who denies the entity of God and breaks his commands very often! ! Ha! Ha!
It's new and different! (new for me at least) , here rhyme-scheme is not a bondage as many advocates of free-verse think, but allowing the poet to speak of his heart about the salamander as an object of his keen observation, that's why the poem is a focused one. a good read! ! !
I hope the salamander lives a long and happy life as happy as this poem. Loved it. BB : O)
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
This is indeed one of your best poems, Bri! I hereby award five stars.