A Life Without Nature is Poor

Don’t be so grown up

that you can’t squeal with delight

watching a dandelion or a redbud.

That you can’t jump in excitement

at the sight of a chrysalis

hanging on the wall.

Don’t be so ignorant

that you can’t differentiate

between cumulus and mammatus clouds,

or that you can’t name the tree

in your own front yard.

Don’t be so busy that

you can’t nod to the swallows

visiting your area.

Don’t be so hypocritical

that you can buy cheap replicas

of shamrock or mistletoe —

but can’t spot them in nature.

These are the life forces

that add joy and zing to life.

Don’t deprive yourself of them,

or you’re missing your chance

at a truly fulfilling journey.