Earth Prayers

This collection showcases one hundred poems celebrating nature's beauty and complexity, reminding us of our responsibility to protect the environment. Earth Prayers inspires reflection.

In Earth Prayers, former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy curates a collection of one hundred poems that celebrate the beauty and wonder of the natural world. This anthology spans a wide range of time, showcasing the enduring relationship between poetry and nature, from the early eco-poems of John Clare to the contemporary voices addressing the urgent environmental crisis we face today. Each poem serves as a reminder of humanity's connection to the earth, revealing both joy and concern for our planet's welfare.

Duffy expertly weaves together the thoughts of poets who act as stewards and advocates for nature, expressing anger and frustration at those who exploit it. The collection includes powerful works that give voice to the earth itself, such as Stephanie Pruitt’s poignant 'Mississippi Gardens,' which reflects on human history's impact on the land. In contrast, Jorie Graham’s 'Poem' serves as a heartfelt plea from the earth, urging us to remember our place within it.

Through these diverse voices, Earth Prayers invites readers to confront their own smallness in the face of nature's grandeur. The anthology is not only a celebration of the natural world but also a call to action, encouraging us to cherish and protect the environment. Ultimately, this collection serves as a profound reminder of our interconnectedness with the living world and the urgent need to safeguard it for future generations.