Poems From the Porch 57

John is a poet and short fiction writer who enjoys collaborating on stories with other writers, and partaking in challenges.

Nature and the Environment

Firstly, let me welcome you to the porch. New and old visitors alike. Pull up a chair, get comfortable, and make yourself at home.

I have had requests for a diverse range of topics since starting this series 'Poems From the Porch' but by far the most requested are subjects relating to nature, climate and the environment. It just shows that these are things people really care about and want to learn more about and protect.

There are only two poems this week but they are very worthy topics and fall into the above category of Nature and the Environment.

Sad to say I don't get to comment every week because I'm not always able to check in on Mondays these days...that said, I want to add my own request to your list, and hope you can get to it in the next couple weeks or so. I'd very much like it if you wrote a piece about snow in Australia. I think that'd be grand.

— Greg Cain

Snowfall in Australia

Snowfall in Australia,

Those two words are rarely spoke

Except on Mt. Kosciuszko,

And the southern mountain slopes.

From the Victorian ‘High Country’

To ‘Snowy Mountains’ New South Wales,

And also in Tasmania,

There are snow-covered slopes to scale.

There are Perisher and Thredbo,

Charlotte Pass, Mt. Buller too,

Falls Creek and Mt. Hotham

Ski resorts to name a few.

Perisher is the biggest resort

In the Southern Hemisphere.

It’s a secret winter wonderland

Where it snows three months a year.

Snow-gums line the ski slopes -

Nowhere else in the world.

The Skiing World Cup of 69

Was won by Aussie Malcolm Milne.

Snow falls from June to August

And at odd times outside that,

But I’ve never set foot in the snow

And neither has my cat.

For I’m from the north in Queensland

That’s called ‘The Sunshine State.’

Snow is not seen in these parts

And for most people that’s great.

We never have to shovel snow

Or drive a car with chains.

But we’ve never built a snowman

Or played snowball-fighting games.

We’ve never made snow_angels

Or skated on lakes of ice,

So these are things we miss out on

Although warm weather’s nice.

I guess it’s more like Florida

As far as climate goes.

In the tropics and sub-tropics,

So too warm for any snow.

Perhaps one year I’ll venture south,

Down Kosciuszko way,

And be the ‘Man From Snowy River,”

If only for a day.

Word Prompt: Majestic

Poetry: Word Prompts Help Creativity / Week 4: Brenda Arledge

"The word prompt this week is "Majestic".

I will keep providing this article in the HubPages feed so everyone has a chance to post their creations.

So grab your pen, tablet, or whatever and get creative. Don't forget to have some fun.

I am anxious to read your work."

Majestic ~ having or showing impressive beauty or scale

— Oxford Dictionary

Majestic

We often say “Your Majesty”

To refer to Kings or Queens.

Though a better use of the term

Is Nature’s majestic scenes.

Majestic are the mountains,

Peaks reaching for the sky.

Majestic are the oceans,

So deep and oh so wide.

Majestic are the deserts,

Vast dunes of burning sands.

Majestic are the continents,

All created by God’s hands.

Majestic are the rivers,

That run from north to south,

Or east to west across the land

From mountains to the mouth.

Majestic are Earth’s wonders,

The Amazon Rain Forest,

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef,

And the Aurora Borealis.

There’s the Victoria Falls in Zambia,

The Grand Canyon in Arizona,

The mighty mount called Everest,

And in Brazil, there’s Rio Harbour.

Can people be majestic?

Perhaps on a small scale.

But I think the word sets standards

That most people tend to fail.

Keep the Prompts/Suggestions Coming

Next weeks poems should be from requests by Linda Lum, Mary Norton, Rosina S Khan and Shauna Bowling. If I can manage to write them all. I will have to see how that goes.

Until then, please keep the requests coming. I am down to the last half dozen, and I would hate to run out. I know it must be difficult to keep thinking up new topics, but I have confidence in you all. Thank you for reading this week's poems.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2021 John Hansen

Comments

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 14, 2021:

Great to see you Li-Jen. Yes it is great that so many support this series of poetry, and who care about the environment and nature. Thank you for the suggestion. It is a good one to write about.

Li-Jen Hew on March 14, 2021:

Hi Jodah. Glad to know that your poem series is always in trend. You will soon become a poem Wikipedia with the diverse range of topics requested. You are thoughtful in the way you write about each poem and detailed too. It must a good feeling to have a community who are supportive of the environment. I have a request to make, and that is to write a poem about the environmental or health impact of plastic. I think we would rather have fashion that never gets old instead of plastic, which can’t biodegrade easily haha. Thank you for sharing! Hope you and your family are safe and well.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 10, 2021:

I look forward to it. No time limit.

Chrish Canosa from Manila Philippines on March 10, 2021:

I'll do it after the exams, HOPEFULLY!!!! TAHNK YOU SO MUCH.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 10, 2021:

Misbah, thank you for accepting my challenge. I am anxious to see the result. I am sure it will be wonderful.

Misbah Sheikh from The World of Poets on March 10, 2021:

John, I accept the challenge

I promise you will see me soon and I hope you will like it too

Blessings

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 10, 2021:

Thank you so much, Chrish. I hope you feel inspired to join the challenge.

Chrish Canosa from Manila Philippines on March 10, 2021:

I'm always speechless sir John! This is another brilliant piece of yours!!! I'm out of words honestly. I thank you for sharing it with us!!

Have a majestic day ahead!

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Thank you for your kind comment, Moondot. The majority of my poems tend to be rhyming ones. I often find it easier to write in rhyme.

EK Jadoon from Abbottabad Pakistan on March 08, 2021:

I would say wow, you have done an amaizing job. I loved the poem and the way you have expressed your thoughts. I always love poems with rhyming words.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

I am glad I mentioned many of the most majestic places, Flourish. Manatita says people are the most majestic of God's creations, but as you say, I think they can only try. Some may go close.

FlourishAnyway from USA on March 08, 2021:

Your majestic poem name checked all of the great places that are truly majestic (for starters). Not sure people can be majestic but they can try.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Good to see you MizB. Yes, our back the front weather is a bit hard for others to fathom. Wow, the deepest and longest-lasting snow you have experienced!

Glad you enjoyed the majestic poem too. I don't always get these published on a Monday but I try my best. Glad you caught it.

Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on March 08, 2021:

John: Snow in June through August is hard for me to fathom, especially since in February we have just dug out from a 20 inch snow in the South, the deepest show we've ever experienced in our area during our lifetimes. It was kind of fun for awhile, but it was also the longest-lived one here since the late 1890s, so the weatherman says. Anyway, that was a nice tribute to snow.

I live near a majestic river, in fact kind of overlooking it, so I have an appreciation for your majestic poem. I can't imagine a dry continent since we are turning into a rain forest here. I'm glad I thought to tune in to you on a Monday so I could comment. Love your poems from the porch.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Yes, Alyssa. I know it is surprising because we are the driest continent but NSW, Vic, and Tasmania do get snow in the mountainous regions. They say the ski slopes are world standard. Thank you for reading.

Alyssa from Ohio on March 08, 2021:

Snow in Australia? I never would've guessed! I loved reading your poem about it. Sounds like the mountains offer great skiing opportunities! I also enjoyed the imagery in Majestic. Beautiful poems!

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

I hope the weather warms for you, and the snow melts, Ruby. Thank you for reading and enjoying my poetry. Have a great week.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Amara, thank you for reading. I am glad you found the “majestic” poem beautiful. Take care.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Yes, quite a coincidence, Shauna. We both live in the Sunshine State. I like your word “coinkydink” lol.

I would like to experience snow at least once but don’t think I would like living with it.

The “majestic” poem was fun to write.

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on March 08, 2021:

Just love all the comments you are receiving on this one.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Hi Fran, thank you for visiting and for your generous comment.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Yes, Mary, majestic is a fine word fitting for many places in the world. I will pray the snow clears for you so you cam resume your long walks.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Hi manatita, it was good to get your opinion of snow and how it effects people. Yes, majesty is an illuminating word. I can see how the soul may be classed as majestic, but man himself seeking that title, to me, is pretentious.

fran rooks from Toledo, Ohio on March 08, 2021:

Wow, great poem. You have a vivid imagination. I appreciate your insight. Thanks for the poem.

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on March 08, 2021:

The majestic mountain landscape is very beautiful, as well as your poetry. We have had 10 inches of snow this year, and I do not think it is wonderful, in fact I detest it! We're on our way to Spring. I t will be in the 60s today..WOOPIE Love all your work!!!

Amara from Pakistan on March 08, 2021:

Beautifully you explain the word majestic.. Very nice.. beautifully written.

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on March 08, 2021:

John, I didn't know your area of Australia is referred to as The Sunshine State. So is Florida. What a coinkydink! Unlike you, I have lived in snowy areas and much prefer Florida's climate. I simply don't like being cold. Snow's pretty to look at, but I'm glad I don't have to live in it.

I love your Majestic poem and your clarification that nature is majestic, not people. I enjoyed that little snip. Tee hee!

Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on March 08, 2021:

Just love the word, Majestic. It makes me think of so many places I have visited and I have fond memories of. I'm right now hoping for snow to go away. it is pretty but the cold stops me from going for long walks.

manatita44 from london on March 08, 2021:

Well John,

My first friend here, is that grizzly fellow in the photo up top. Cute and charming!

I was born in Grenada and came to the UK at 21. Never knew snow before that time. Worth seeing and playing with a lot! It's a purity-filled occasion! Western countries are very industrious and maybe the cold pushes them. We tend to chill-out in sunny countries.

Two great poems and 'majesty' is a most illumining word at the end there. I have to differ with you and Linda L, as man is the closest thing to Divinity that I know of. The soul is majestic indeed! But of course I see you guys point. Lol! Pax Vorbiscum!

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Thank you for your encouraging comment, Linda. I do hope to experience snow one day. You make it sound captivating. I appreciate your reading these poems. Have a blessed week.

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on March 08, 2021:

John, I loved both of these. I can't imagine never having walked in snow (the driving part I would rather do without). You simply must have that experience at least once in your life. Immediately after a snowfall, when the world is blanketed in fresh whiteness, there is a hush that falls over all of creation. It's beautiful. As for majestic, I don't think humans are deserving of that title, but God's creation certainly is.

Wonderful verses dear friend. Have a wonderful week.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Thanks for always supporting this series, Bill. It means a lot to me to read that it is one of your favorites. “Love Thy Neighbor” should make a wonderful poem.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Thank you for sharing the both the joys and trials of snow, Peg. I am glad you found i succeeded with both poems. “Insignificant” ..well that will certainly be a challenge. Have fun yourself.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Brenda, first, i am very pleased that you liked “Majestic,’ that I wrote from the prompt you gave. They are great for inspiration. I am glad my poems manage to educate and inspire.

Thank you for the wonderful comment and I will work on “spring” very shortly.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

I am glad you found these poems inspirational, Liz. I hope the situation there improves soon. Yes, a walk is a good subject for a poem. Thanks.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

I am glad to hear that Eric. In a good way I hope.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

It is good you enjoyed your visit to the porch this week, Pamela. Yes, snow is not often related to Australia.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on March 08, 2021:

This is always one of my favorite series, so this was a lovely bonus to begin my week with. Well done, my friend. Here's a prompt for you....Love thy Neighbor!

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Hello Chitrangada. I am happy you enjoyed these poems and nature and the environment in general. Yes, the subject is a great one.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on March 08, 2021:

Both poems were excellent. As a child in Wisconsin, I enjoyed all the many pleasures of playing in the snow. Living back there for four years as an adult, shoveling it, and driving on it is not quite as much fun. The pristine beauty of a new snowfall, however, is stunning!

You did a great job addressing Brenda's word prompt of 'majestic.'

Thinking of antonyms for the word majestic, I wonder what you could do with the word insignificant? Just a thought. Have some fun today!

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on March 08, 2021:

John,

I cannot imagine seeing snow between June and August because it is Summertime here then.

I also cannot imagine never making a snow angel or throwing a snowball or making a snowman. It is an all time thrill for a child.

You just might need to go try it one day...and be like a kid again.

Thank you for posting a link to my word prompt challenge.

Your poem for Majestic is outstanding!

Nature's scenes are so majestic! The beauty flows from them.

I like how you mention the Kings and Queens in the beginning & end with humans who tend to fail.

The pictures & nature scenes you picked are awesome. They are all majestic.

I doubt you need to worry about your Poems from the Porch series...we always want to know something.

Just today you taught me about Australia's snowfall.

Today it is finally getting up to the 50's, but right now it is still chilly in the 20's.

It's always gard for me to imagine the seasons being different in other places in the world, but I am looking forward to Spring.

This afternoon should be pleasant.

Enjoy your day.

Liz Westwood from UK on March 08, 2021:

This is an inspirational and, as ever, well-written selection of poetry. I am just back from a socially distanced walk with a friend and her dog. It's one of the few legal options for socializing open to Brits at the moment. How about a poem about a walk?

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on March 08, 2021:

This will stick in my mind for a very long time, thank you.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on March 08, 2021:

These poems are wonderful. Snow in Australia is certainly not what we normally, and your poem sure gave us a new view. Your poem for Brenda's prompt was also very good. The porch was a wonderful place to spend some time today, John.

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on March 08, 2021:

Hello John!

Another enjoyable read from your Porch. Beautifully expressed poems.

Nature and environment, both subjects are my favourite. I believe, these are the best topics for the creative writers, with unlimited possibilities.

Thank you for sharing. Wish you a happy week.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Thanks for that prompt Ann..it's a new one.

Ann Carr from SW England on March 08, 2021:

How about a poem on the joys of motorbiking, on a long and winding road in the mountains (or wherever you like!)?

Ann

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

It is good that you get to enjoy the snow there in Croatia, Devika. Thank you for the kind comment.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

I am happy that you enjoyed reading this article, Harriet. I haven't been to Kosciuszko either and I can never remember how to spell it correctly. I think travel will be easier in the near future.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Thanks for the encouragement, Ann. If the opportunity ever arises I certainly will take it.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on March 08, 2021:

Hi Jodah I enjoy watching snow fall, living in Croatia has given me that experience. Your poems are greatly expressed so loved reading

Harriet Dionela from Taguig City, Philippines on March 08, 2021:

Thank you for this article! I really enjoyed reading it. We don't have snowfall in the Philippines and how I love to experience one. Hopefully one day really soon I can see that place. I just hope the travel is not as hard as pronouncing and spelling Kosciuszko.

Ann Carr from SW England on March 08, 2021:

If you ever get the opportunity, do it! Impossible to describe! Trouble is, there is no guarantee unless you have several days in which to be patient. A friend and I went 4 or 5 years ago, to the top of Norway and saw them in Tromso. Such a privilege.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Thank you as always Ann. If there is one thing I would love to see in the world it is the Aurora Borealis. So glad to read you found this entertaining. Take care.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Thanks for reading and commenting, Charlie. I greatly appreciate it.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Good to receive your kind comment, Rosina. It is good that you got to experience snow in the US and Germany. Glad you liked my "Majestic" poem too. Take care.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on March 08, 2021:

Misbah, thank you for reading and for the great comment. I am glad you enjoyed the snow at the hill stations as well as in Spain.

I appreciate the kind words in regard to my poems and this series and glad you feel relaxed on the porch.

Ann Carr from SW England on March 08, 2021:

Wonderful! Always a delight to read your poems. Ah, the aurora borealis, an amazing spectacle - majestic, moving, natural beauty at its best, it even makes you hold your breath!

Thanks for the entertainment today, John!

Ann

Charlie Halliday from Scotland on March 08, 2021:

Another great read John or to use the title of the second poem Majestic.

Rosina S Khan on March 08, 2021:

Two lovely poems, John. I don't have snow in our part of the world but loved it snow in the US and Germany when I was there for higher education. You covered Brenda's prompt word, "Majestic" very nicely and I think it is outstanding. Great job on both the poems.

Misbah Sheikh from The World of Poets on March 08, 2021:

Both poems are Awesome, John

I enjoyed the read

I love Snowfall a lot

When we were in my home country, My father used to take us to hill stations like Muree, naran, kagaan and too many other places to show the Snowfalls.

I always loved it, since the time we are in Spain we went to La Molina, to see the Snowfall

Every time I have enjoyed it

You did very well with Brenda's Prompt, Majestic as well

Keep writing as I love to keep reading your beautiful poems

From the Porch is a wonderful series

I always have enjoyed although I missed some of them as I was not at HP at that time when you started writing the first one

But whenever I get some time I love to read the ones I missed

Thanks for sharing

I feel your porch as relaxing as I used to feel mine in my childhood

Blessings