4 Topics to Explore in Fall-Themed Eco-Poems
When seasons change, poets are often inspired to incorporate seasonal themes, imagery, and metaphor into their work. This fall, as the seasons shift and leaves turn, you might feel drawn to explore the natural world through your writing.
Take this inspiration a step further by crafting message-driven autumnal eco-poetry. To help, here are four topics to explore in fall-themed eco-poems.
Fall migration
During fall, many animal species, especially birds, migrate to warmer climates in preparation for winter. These journeys are crucial for the species’ health and survival, but they often prove perilous.
Prompt: In an eco-poem, highlight an endangered animal’s migration journey—perhaps you’ll choose a bird that frequents a lake you regularly visit, for example. Imagine what that bird might see as they migrate, illustrating how the scenery changes throughout their long flight. If this bird’s population is in decline, communicate that in your poem. How many members of their flock are lost along the way? The bird might also be accustomed to seeing more of their kind in their seasonal habitat, but this year, there are far less of the species.
Leave the leaves
Among environmentalists, “leave the leaves” is a common phrase used in autumn. As leaves fall, they provide crucial habitat for many insect species as well as fertilizer for soil as they decompose. Instead of disposing of leaves, allowing them to fulfill their natural purposes is a simple act of healing the earth that everyone should consider doing.
Prompt: Creatively communicate the essential practice of leaving leaves in an eco-poem. Perhaps your poem will tell a descriptive story of a leaf’s journey, from branch to decomposition, relying on rich imagery to paint a picture. How might this process also serve as a metaphor for nature’s connection to the human experience? Using your writing skills to describe the beauty of leaving leaves could motivate your readers to apply this practice to their own lawn care regimen.
Deforestation
Human destruction of forests is a global concern that threatens both wildlife species’ and humanity’s survival. The unsustainable practice of deforestation destroys ecosystems and disrupts the delicate balance of nature.
Prompt: Since trees are closely associated with fall, autumn is the perfect time to bring attention to this issue through an eco-poem. Whether you highlight a forest in your local area that was recently cut down, expressing your sorrow that it won’t be there this autumn, or shine a spotlight on deforestation in general, your poem can ignite readers to advocate for a more sustainable world.
Pumpkins thrown out
Decorating your home with pumpkins might put you in the fall spirit, but there’s a spooky side to this seasonal trend. Many pumpkins are simply discarded when autumn ends, rotting away in landfills.
Prompt: Illustrate this environmental concern in a poem while also providing solutions. To communicate this issue’s importance, create a picture of pumpkins piled on top of one another in a landfill. In your poem, imagine a solution, such as composting.
We hope this list encourages you to use your poetic voice as a tool for change. For more eco-poetry inspiration, check out this blog.
