A small book of poetry that is focused on the lessons and
inspirations of nature by one of the supporters of Springbrook Nature Center.
This description of Clem was on the web – for Friday night
reading series,
“Clem Nagel lives in Fridley and calls himself a “poet-come-lately”. He began writing poetry twelve years ago, when his poetry simply “showed up.” He nurtures his abiding interests in human behavior, spirituality, travel, and social justice – all of which are an inseparable part of his writing. He is author of Prairie Sky, Prairie Ground (2008) and Listen for the Silence: A Walk Through the Natural World (2009). His poems have appeared in The Kingfisher, The National Catholic Reporter, Patch for Peace, Labyrinth Pathways, Presence, and others. Clem has a love of teaching others to be attentive to the miracles of the natural world and to discover their own poetic voice. He teaches at The Loft Literary Center. Clem shares his long-time interests of nature and travel with his writer/photographer spouse, Elizabeth who also teaches at the Loft and is author of Waiting for the Heat to Pass (2009). Recently, they collaborated with the Twin City-based NUBE Ensemble in writing the poetic text for the musical group’s touring production of The Golden Bird.”
“Clem Nagel lives in Fridley and calls himself a “poet-come-lately”. He began writing poetry twelve years ago, when his poetry simply “showed up.” He nurtures his abiding interests in human behavior, spirituality, travel, and social justice – all of which are an inseparable part of his writing. He is author of Prairie Sky, Prairie Ground (2008) and Listen for the Silence: A Walk Through the Natural World (2009). His poems have appeared in The Kingfisher, The National Catholic Reporter, Patch for Peace, Labyrinth Pathways, Presence, and others. Clem has a love of teaching others to be attentive to the miracles of the natural world and to discover their own poetic voice. He teaches at The Loft Literary Center. Clem shares his long-time interests of nature and travel with his writer/photographer spouse, Elizabeth who also teaches at the Loft and is author of Waiting for the Heat to Pass (2009). Recently, they collaborated with the Twin City-based NUBE Ensemble in writing the poetic text for the musical group’s touring production of The Golden Bird.”
“what if I lived where people
plant
Ground covers of tar and concrete
And cut down trees that touch roofs,
Where children frolic on chemical
Lawns and never pick dandelions?”
Ground covers of tar and concrete
And cut down trees that touch roofs,
Where children frolic on chemical
Lawns and never pick dandelions?”
“Does
The sum total
Of spider-spun
Gossamer –
Keep morning plants
From moving in the
Breeze?”
The sum total
Of spider-spun
Gossamer –
Keep morning plants
From moving in the
Breeze?”
Marsh Frogs
Early spring emerges
like
Easter sunrises –
Easter sunrises –
A small fog’s breath
Hangs in the air.
Fingers of warm sun energy
Penetrate the muck, felt
Hangs in the air.
Fingers of warm sun energy
Penetrate the muck, felt
By small waiting
things.
Frozen marsh frogs thaw,
Their hesitant voices swell as
Frozen marsh frogs thaw,
Their hesitant voices swell as
Muted notes of
distant birds
thread their way
through the red of
budding soft maples
thread their way
through the red of
budding soft maples
An unleashed chorus
floods the universe.
floods the universe.
Sandpipers run, stop, and
balance on the footprints of
their water-mirrored selves.
balance on the footprints of
their water-mirrored selves.
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