Art-in-Nature
POETRY - 'POETRY IN MOTION' & 'MAKING COMPOST' BY JOHN ROFF
Beautiful nature poetry by John Roff... 'Poetry in Motion' & 'Making Compost' from the collection 'With the Earth'
Poetry in Motion
(on the noble office of the bush toilet)
To sit and think while in the bush has always been worthwhile,
but better still, to squat and think may bring a greater smile.
The finest place is one from which there is a splendid view,
but do look down and watch out for... the ankle-tapping poo.
On matters lavatorial there is a general hush,
and for the trowel and paper I have seldom seen a rush,
but if they knew the peacefulness of dumping with a view
I know I’d have frustration, and be waiting in a queue.
Making Compost
(the bush toilet revisited)
At last, I think I know why I love to poo in the bush.
There is something elemental about the process,
straight back to the soil,
knowing what you leave behind won’t be there in a few months,
connecting intimately with the grand cycles that
you are a part of anyway but may have forgotten,
remembering that your body is
simply and profoundly part of the earth.
What you’re made of, and who you are:
trillions of molecules of beautifully gathered, shaped, dust.
Author: John Roff, Environmental Educator at Hilton College, Howick
Date: 09 Apr 2013
