Born on this day September 30, 1927, W.S. Merwin, an esteemed poet known for his lyrical and evocative style, has long been celebrated for his profound exploration of nature and environmental themes in his works. A two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and recipient of the National Book Award, Merwin’s poetry presents a deep ecology perspective, reflecting a profound respect for the interconnectedness of all living things and an urgent call for environmental conservation.
The undercurrents of deep ecology in Merwin’s poetry reveal his awe and reverence for the natural world, as he explores the complex symbiotic relationship between humans and their environment. His works are not merely descriptive of the natural world but deeply engage with the environmental issues of our time. They manifest an ecological consciousness that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Merwin’s poetry transcends the literal to grapple with the ethical, philosophical, and spiritual dimensions of our relationship with nature. His poems often showcase a world that is fragile and fleeting, emphasizing the transient beauty of nature and the devastating impact of human intervention on it. His Pulitzer-winning collection, The Shadow of Sirius, is replete with poignant imagery of nature in its various manifestations, from flourishing forests to dwindling species.
Simultaneously, his works also bear the hallmark of hope and resilience. In his National Book Award-winning collection Migration, Merwin underscores the enduring spirit of nature despite human-induced destruction. His poems reverberate with a clarion call for environmental stewardship, urging readers to appreciate, preserve, and restore the natural world.
W.S. Merwin’s poetry embodies a powerful environmental ethos. His verses personify nature’s beauty and fragility while underscoring the need for its preservation. As a Poet of deep ecology, his works serve as a compelling commentary on our interaction with the environment – a testament to his stature as one of the leading voices in eco-poetics.
The Animals
All these years behind windows
With blind crosses sweeping the tables
And myself tracking over empty ground
Animals I never saw
I with no voice
Remembering names to invent for them
Will any come back will one
Saying yes
Saying look carefully yes
We will meet again
-W. S. Merwin, from The Second Four Books of Poems
Curated by Jennifer
