This week at Peterson students explored ideas about nature. Does nature have a voice? How does it communicate with us? Students discussed how nature earns the title of “Mother Nature” by providing food and nourishment for trees, plants, animals, and even humans. One student mentioned how nature is like a teenager going through puberty, always moody through its changing seasons and weather. One moment the sky can be clear and sunny, then another moment full of storm clouds. Students also connected nature to myths and folklore. Long ago in ancient Greece people believed that whenever the god Zeus was angry, he would rain down his lightening bolts followed by loud booming thunder. Nature can be beautiful but finds interesting ways to demand our respect.
Together students read the poem “Some Effects of Global Warming in Lackawanna County,” by Jay Parini. In the poem all the seasons are out of sync, the speaker observes how these changes in the weather have affected the wildlife near an elementary school. Parini incorporates personification, giving human qualities to the animals, plants, and trees to describe their plight. Birds who didn’t check their clocks or calendars are looking for seeds in the frost, roots and tubers sob, as a groggy bear wakes up too early from his hibernation. Students noticed Parini’s use of metaphors, comparing his heart to a deer, that tries to escape the strange weather by skipping on barely frozen water, that threatens to break. This image shows how by harming nature, humans also cause harm to themselves. Inspired by Parini, students wrote their own poems, sharing their special relationships with nature and giving insight into how mankind can protect it. Enjoy this week’s published poems.
Ms. Bell’s 6th Grade
Group 1
Global Warming on The Farm
Bu M.
The roosters are singing bright early in the morning
as the sun rises. The horses are ready to go for a long
jog. The pigs are not very patient for their breakfast.
They begin to run around, trying to get the farmer’s
attention. As I wake up, my heart is ready to jump
out from my mouth with excitement. The lake next
to the farm is depressed, because his girlfriend has
passed away. All that was left of her, was a bunch of
toxic waste. The lake cries and Mother Nature joins
him. As for me, I am a bear getting ready to go back to
its habitat.
Nature and the City
Henry P.
Pigeons wear coats on top of the building,
looking down for any sign of food. Mice in
the back-alley act like spies, hiding behind
garbage cans. Dogs scramble up and down
the street looking for a pole to pee on. When
they see the mice, they turn away. An owner
of a restaurant steps on the mice’s tails, and
the pigeons laugh. The dogs bark at the pigeons,
helping the mice. They all look up and see
something white.
It’s the first snow of the year. Maybe it won’t
be so bad after all.
Earth Feels
Azucema R.
Flowers wake up and dance.
Birds are discussing the weather.
Sidewalk cracks heal.
Dirt crumbles like wet napkins.
Compost agrees with the dirt.
Plastic argues with the ocean, it’s
hurting the sea creatures.
The sea creatures dive for evidence.
Earth is full of mixed emotions.
Ms. Bell’s 6th Grade
Group 2
Desert
Destiny A.
A bearded dragon tans in the sun’s beams.
The coyote plans a trap for the roadrunner.
Cacti compliment each other on how pretty
each other’s flowers look. All the water packs
its bags to move, so all the heat can take its
its place. At night the creatures greet one
another, the heat lulls them to sleep.
The desert is a crazy racoon.
The Rocky Mountains Dance in The Wind
Julian B.
I dance in the forest, the wind in my face.
The mountains are singing. The birds are
chirping. The sky is blue. The sea is green.
I hear the bunnies talking to the worms
below. The fox chases the squeaking
mouse.
I realize I’m not there. I’m in the car
not far.
I wonder what I’m doing here, not
living my life.
I walk out the car into the dancing
mountain, with the trees that look
so fair.
The rocks and my mood blend together.
I’m filled with joy. Sun in my face with
singing trees and dancing mountains.
The Adventure at Starve Rock
Justin S.
Starve Rock, a beautiful majestic swan.
Daddy long legs are annoyed with humans.
The mud starts to sweat as the sun shines
harder. The leaves start to go through puberty
as the orange color kicks in. A waterfall begins
shrinking as the rocks do their cartwheels on
them. Oh, and the squirrels, they are mad.
When people fall, the squirrels’ triumph.
The humans are now traumatized. Then
the waterfall turns brown as the mud gets
moisturized. The logs sob as humans push
them in the river. The children play, happy
as ever. Hikers are hiking as their minds
fly like galloping horses running freely.
The adventure is done, it was all dreamy
I will come back, but not as a meanie.
Nature is beautiful and we must
respect it.
Ms. Bell’s 6th Grade
Group 3
Winter Coming to Walking Stick Woods
Josie C.
Winter comes crashing through the woods
like a car full of speed. Trees lose their leaves,
too tired to pick them up. Birds slowly leave,
saying sad goodbyes. Frantic squirrels wonder
how they will ever gather enough nuts for winter.
Mother deers are talking to each other about the
long winter ahead. While their children laugh
and play. The plants sigh as they slowly lay
down, knowing that they will come up bright
and new after their long rest.
Forest
Erin J.
There is a tree nearby. I take a seat.
The bark feels so rough. Leaves blow
in the wind, a collage of colors. How
does she do it? Stay strong even when
her leaves have fallen. Squirrels
scampering to get their acorns before
winter comes. Birds singing as they build
their nests. I wish I could be like a tree,
supporting everything. Staying strong
for myself.
Wildfire Spreading
Ayesha K.
The wildfire is spreading, its fingertips
reaching for anything that comes in its
way.
The wildfire is angry Mother Nature
in action.
Ash clinging on the clouds. Plants withering
and crumbling into pieces, that fly away
into the mouth of the flames.
Trees bending over, trying to escape.
Ants scurrying over to shelter, only
thinking about their future at the
moment.
The landscape, the wildfire is a marathon.
Its chaos and drama. Yet, the humans, cozy
in their homes, are still oblivious.
