On this Earth Day, WHYY’s “Morning Edition” host Jennifer Lynn engaged in a profound exploration of nature’s emotional resonance through poetry with Climate Desk reporter Susan Phillips.
In recognition of Earth Day’s roots in Philadelphia, where it was first celebrated on April 22, 1970, the program highlighted the significance of advocating for a cleaner, safer environment.
The original celebration took place at Fairmount Park, drawing crowds of 20,000 to 40,000 people, with notable moments including a powerful reading by poet Allen Ginsberg.
Ginsberg’s participation marked the beginning of a rich literary tradition linking poetry and environmental advocacy, a theme that resonates strongly even today.
The segment took a poetic turn—moving from raw protest to modern reflections—featuring voices across generations, including iconic figures like Ginsberg and contemporary poet Amanda Gorman.
Gorman, who gained national prominence for her poem “The Hill We Climb,” also has a keen interest in nature-themed poetry.
Speaking of her earlier work, she performed her poem “Earthrise,” which captures a significant moment in human history when astronaut Bill Anders photographed the Earth from the moon during the Apollo 8 mission.
Her poem emphasizes the shared reality and urgency we face regarding our planet, reminding listeners of the preciousness of the Earth we call home.
As the interview transitioned back in time, Phillips brought the conversation to the influential American poet Walt Whitman, well-known for his pivotal work “Leaves of Grass.”
Whitman, often referred to as the “father of free verse,” had a profound appreciation for nature.
He spent his final years in Camden, New Jersey, which provides a local connection for Philadelphians.
In a moment of homage to Whitman, Phillips read a passage from “Sea-Drift,” a section that highlights the beauty of nature through the lens of curious childhood wonder:
“Two feather’d guests from Alabama, two together, and their nest, and four light-green eggs spotted with brown. And every day the he-bird to and fro near at hand. And every day the she-bird crouch’d on her nest, silent, with bright eyes. And every day I, a curious boy, never too close, never disturbing them, cautiously peering, absorbing, translating.”
Lynn cherished Whitman’s portrayal of nature, particularly the evocative description of birds as “guests,” which encouraged appreciation for the diverse migratory species entering the region.
Delving into more contemporary voices, Lynn introduced poetry by Sonia Sanchez, a pivotal figure in the Black Arts Movement.
Her succinct yet striking lines resonate with themes of nature and time, reminding listeners of the fleeting moments experienced outdoors:
“your limbs fly off the ground little birds.”
Another of her pieces left a more perplexing impression:
“blue midnite breaths sailing on smiling tongues”
And a captivating closing line:
“say no words time is collapsing in the woods.”
This beautifully captures how time seems to stand still amid the serenity of nature.
Phillips, reflecting on her appreciation for Denise Levertov, brought a final poetic reading that highlighted the unnoticed nuances in the animal world.
Levertov’s work, recognized within the Black Mountain School of poetry, offers avant-garde reflections on nature.
Phillips read from “The Mockingbird of Mockingbirds,” an acknowledgment of the mundane yet essential creatures that populate our surroundings:
“A greyish bird the size perhaps of two plump sparrows, fallen in some field, soon flattened, a dry mess of feathers — and no one knows this was a prince among his kind, virtuoso of virtuosos, lord of a thousand songs, debonair, elaborate in invention, fantasist, rival of nightingales.”
This reading sparked a lively discussion about the often overlooked beauty and diversity of local wildlife.
In appreciation for the depth of poetry and its connection to the natural world, the segment highlighted the cultural impact of Earth Day and the ongoing need for environmental advocacy.
The combination of poetic expression with ecological consciousness serves as a poignant reminder of our relationship with the Earth.
As the conversation wrapped up, Lynn playfully suggested the day might have been better termed “Birding Day,” underscoring the intertwining themes of nature and poetry that resonate through generations.
Ultimately, the segments showcased how literature, art, and personal reflection can inspire awareness and action regarding environmental issues.
As the Climate Desk continues to delve into these critical topics throughout the year, the collaboration emphasizes the importance of addressing climate change not only through scientific discourse but also through creative expression.
On this Earth Day, WHYY not only honors the legacy of the first celebration but also highlights the ongoing connection between people, poetry, and the planet we share.
image source from：https://whyy.org/articles/earth-day-philadelphia-poetry/
