Environmental poetry is a genre of poetry that deals with environmental issues and the relationship between humans and the natural world. Environmental poetry often explores the consequences of human actions on the environment, and the ways in which nature can be both beautiful and dangerous. Poets often use imagery, metaphor, and other literary devices to convey their feelings and thoughts about the natural world and the impact of human actions on it.
Here are some examples of must-read environmental poetry:
"The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot: This famous poem, published in 1922, is considered one of the most important works of modern poetry. It deals with the themes of nature, decay, and the loss of traditional values.
"I Am Offering this Poem" by Jimmy Santiago Baca: This poem, published in 1980, deals with the themes of nature, loss and the impact of human actions on the environment.
"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot: This famous poem, published in 1915, deals with the themes of nature, the human condition, and the passage of time.
"The Solitary Reaper" by William Wordsworth: This famous poem, published in 1807, deals with the themes of nature, solitude, and the human condition.
"The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost: This famous poem, published in 1916, deals with the themes of nature, choices, and the human condition.
"When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" by Walt Whitman: This poem, published in 1855, deals with the themes of nature and the human relationship with the natural world
"The Road" by C.K. Williams: This poem, published in 2010, deals with the themes of nature and the human relationship with the natural world, and the impact of human actions on the environment.
These poems can be a great way to introduce readers to important environmental issues and inspire them to take action to protect the natural world. It is also important to note that there are many other great poetry out there that explore similar themes.