In a previous post I wondered whether reading my

favorite poets leads me to observe and appreciate nature

more or whether nature comes first and I turn to poets to share

their enjoyment and reactions as I watch the nature unfold

around me. I have decided a simple answer is best.

The answer that came to me is the obvious one that

nature comes first to all of us and we respond in many

ways indifference, violence, affection. Having experienced

something of the wonder, mystery and horror that

nature can display I have chosen to respond to it

through science, art and poetry. The most important thing

is to live in the moment enough to appreciate the enjoyment

nature brings.

"Let the bucket of memory down into the well,
bring it up. Cool, cool minutes. No one
stirring, no plans. Just being there.
This is what the whole thing is about. "

Just Thinking

                        William Stafford