Why Nature is a Mother
Because the sky can open
its bluest eye, its pupil the highest sun
shining across the land
sometimes clouded heavy with rain
washing us in tears.
Because the valley breathes
a rising lung
exhaling in wildflowers
or heaving up insects
parachuting onto flower heads
set above quivering grass.
Because the birds they sing
in different tones and dialects
an opera interpreting the day
tragedies and joys from nest to nest
a stage upon the trees.
Because the stream is jubilant
a happy soul, rushing like my thoughts
running through my head.
Because nature is unconditional
and just wants to be free
continuing in its rhythm
a heart-sustaining life
cradling us in its bosom.
TAK Erzinger is an American/Swiss poet and artist with a Colombian background.
Her poetry has been featured in journals at Indiana University, Cornell University, NYU, the University of Baltimore, and more. Erzinger’s poetry collection “At the Foot of the Mountain,” (Floricanto Press 2021), won the University of Indianapolis Whirling Prize for 2021 for best nature poetry book and was a finalist at The International Book Awards 2022. Her poetry collection “Tourist” (Sea Crow Press 2023) is out now.
She lives on the foothills of the Alps in Switzerland with her husband and two cats.
https://takerzinger.wixsite.com/poet