How does a particular place make you feel? Recently, beautifully natural and built environments have inspired me to write poetry either in the place or after I had been there. It makes one reflect profoundly on that experience and how it relates to one's own life on a deeper level too.
Occasionally, I will be writing a 'Poetry of Place' poem about unique places. The first poem is about falling in love with English gardens. When I moved to London for graduate school, gardens became my sanctuary. I lived down the street from Regent's Park, which became my haven from studying. Slowing down to smell the roses revived me. I can conjure up feelings of serenity when I am in a garden.
Gardens are where nature and human constructs come together. It feels like divinity is coming through. Is it the landscape trying to tell us something, or are we telling it something?
The colors heal us, the smells soothe us, the sounds create mindfulness, the sights bring up emotions, and the textures' touch or feel awakens us. Through gardens like the English style, we are inspired to take a more natural approach over totally controlling our environment. It is a time to reflect and ask ourselves what we know is honest and good. It can help us understand and perceive the world around us.
These photographs are from The Regent's Park in London, England, one of the unique places that inspired my poem below. Queen Mary's Gardens is the most extensive collection of roses in London. This world-famous garden has about 12,000 roses and 85 single variety beds for visitors to experience. To learn more about the history of the garden, click here.
If you have the chance to visit Queen Mary's Gardens, I recommend sitting and taking in all the sights, smells, and sounds. It is a lovely place for a picnic or a walk-through.
Sit back, relax and read my 'Poetry of Place' to transport you to these English gardens...
Is there a place that does this for you? Try this introspective placemaking activity:
Take a few minutes to think of a favorite place.
Write down the five senses (touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste) you experience in this place.
What are the emotions felt here?
How would you describe this place to someone else?
Do you have any memories of this place?
Is there something you wish you could transform about the space? How could you make it better for yourself and others?
Now without judgment, write a poem about this place.
Share this poem or keep it for yourself.
If you would like to share your own 'Poetry of Place,' please e-mail Builtfully to be featured on this blog!
The more we become aware of our surroundings, it can help us appreciate the small joys of life. It can inspire us to create passion projects and have gratitude for the beauty in places around us.
So next time you are in your favorite place, experience it as if you had to write a poem about it. Who knows, being mindful of your favorite place may inspire you to create one!
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