Gracious Nature: Poems on Earth and Life

by Robert J. Tiess

Over 100 beautiful, accessible, memorable, and profound nature poems exploring what it means to be alive, to grow and experience the natural wonders of the world, and to share this most amazing planet with so many amazing forms of life.

From the acclaimed author of May We Learn from the Earth and The Humbling and Other Poems comes this inspired and insightful poetry collection that celebrates and contemplates nature, existence, living things and their environments around the Earth.

At the end of the book, the author includes a brief essay on the importance of nature poetry.

Genres: Poetry

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2024

About the author

Robert J. Tiess is a poet from New York State. His acclaimed poetry has been featured most recently on the Late Night Poets radio show and AllPoetry. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz University with a degree in English Literature, he has been writing poetry since the 1980s and pursuing a joyful career in public library service since the mid-1990s. You can learn more about the author in The Humbling and Other Poems.

From the Poet: "I enjoy writing poetry of all kinds. Almost all of my poems are composed in hopes of being read aloud. My most frequent themes include: compassion, love, unity, empowerment, freedom, truth, equality, justice, tolerance, peace, gratitude, mindfulness, nature, individuality, humility, philosophy, spirituality, art, science, mythology, and imagination.

All readers are welcome, respected, and appreciated here. If you wish, you can follow me online at www.twitter.com/RobertJTiess and www.RobertJTiess.net. If you read any of my works, thank you."

The aspiring and inspired debut poetry collection by Robert J. Tiess. Over 100 memorable poems on humility, love, truth, peace, time, redemption, and hope. Includes Obsidian with Sheens of Gold, Interior Kingdom, The Song of Walt Is Our Song, Amid the Jersey Turnpike Whales, Love's Special Relativity, Tao, Withstanding, the Phoenix poems, and other fan favorites, along with new works. Also included: author biography, three brief essays, a glossary of poetry terms, reading suggestions, and more.

There are currently 5 editions of The Humbling and Other Poems:

1. Print: paperback edition (Amazon; ISBN-13: 9798986179513; ASIN: B09YVPDW8L)

2. Print: hardcover edition (Barnes & Noble; ISBN-13: 9798986179537)

3. Ebook: Amazon Kindle Edition (ISBN-13: 9798986179506; Amazon ASIN: B09YMPN6VW)

4. Selections from The Humbling and Other Poems: The Abridged Edition
Ebook: Amazon Kindle Edition / Kindle Unlimited (Amazon ASIN: B0C71VYZCJ)

5. Ebook: Barnes and Noble Nook Edition (Barnes & Noble ID/EAN: 2940160717142)

6. Ebook: Kobo edition

Please visit the author's website for all links, book reviews, samples, news, and more.

Reviews

[Dakota Roos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads Give-A-Ways!

It’s a nice pleasant read of poems all about nature. I enjoyed reading it over coffee or before bed.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

Won through Goodreads Giveaway

I enjoyed reading these nature poetry about Earth, Oceans, Animals and the Forest. My favorites were the animal poems because I love animals. Living out in the country I resonated with the squirrels, deer and birds in the poems. I have watched the deer many times going from one patch of woods to another. Some of my favorite poems in the book are:
Revival - about dogs playing
A Prayer for a Squirrel- how they have to dodge traffic
The Rocks Remembering- about what rocks remember about the earth from ancient times to present
Crop Rotations - reminded me of the farmers
Considering Cows -what do cows actually think about

If you enjoy looking at nature, walking in nature, or reading about nature, I think you may enjoy 'Gracious Nature '.

Thanks to Goodreads, the publisher and Robert J. Ties for the E-book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#goodreads #goodreadsgiveaway #robertjtiess #graciousnature #poems #nonfiction

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gracious Nature by Robert J. Tiess is a thoughtful and evocative exploration of the natural world and its interplay with human experience. Tiess's collection serves as a canvas where nature's grandeur and the human condition are painted with a rich palette of emotions and observations. His verses traverse a diverse landscape, from the microcosms of backyard flora to the majestic vistas of mountains and oceans, reflecting an earnest contemplation of Earth, life, and their interconnectedness.

Tiess's writing style invites readers to delve into the simplicity of natural beauty while pondering its deeper implications. For instance, in "Nature Preserves," Tiess reflects on the transformative power of nature through personal experience, juxtaposing a routine, confined life with the liberating embrace of the natural world. His poems are a mosaic of vivid imagery and sensory details that capture the essence of each subject, be it the delicate dance of a dandelion in "To a Dandelion" or the formidable presence of a mountain in "Peak Humility."

A recurring theme in Tiess's work is the symbiosis between humans and nature. In poems like "Cetacean" and "Mud Lessons," he eloquently illustrates how nature serves as both a teacher and a sanctuary, offering wisdom and refuge. These pieces highlight the poet's ability to find lessons in everyday natural phenomena. His voice resonates with a deep appreciation for nature's bounty and an awareness of the human responsibility to protect and cherish it.

In "Gracious Nature" and "Recipe for Mass Extinction Number Six," Tiess addresses environmental concerns, subtly urging a collective awakening to the impacts of human actions on the planet. His tone shifts to a more somber one here yet remains imbued with a hopeful undercurrent, suggesting redemption through awareness and change.

Gracious Nature: Poems on Earth and Life is a compelling ode to the natural world, its beauty, its lessons, and its fragility. Robert J. Tiess's work is a fitting read for anyone who cherishes the natural world or seeks solace and wisdom in its embrace.

[Al Shapiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate that the author finds it helpful and super important to connect people to nature and try to inspire them to take care of it and to stop polluting and ruining it. Through poems the author personifies and connects humans in unexpected ways and even tells us to envision ourselves as other animals and even the earth. This was an interesting perspective I enjoyed reading. There’s definitely poems I don’t care for as much as well as ones I enjoy more. There’s something here for everyone. I didn’t like how a few poems were about fake environments acting like they were somehow real or just acceptable. I guess the author was trying to point out that you can still find some nature or natural elements even in fake contrived environments. A good message to care about the planet and evoke emotions of wanting to do something to protect and preserve. As an environmentalist it’s always something I appreciate.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful collection of nature poetry! I will definitely be reading this again to soak up the words again. As someone who finds nature sacred, these poems really spoke to my heart. They made me think and put into words some thoughts I hadn't known how to express.

I look forward to reading more poetry from Robert J. Tiess as soon as possible.

Look up his work and treat yourself to the artistry of his words.

[Ashley Reel · Rating 5 out of 5]

a nature walk with the author.

I lived, breathed, heard, smelled and just fully experienced these elaborate but simply beautiful poems. I felt that I was on a nature hike with the author.

[Nicole Cleaveland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won this thru a goodreads giveaway. Enjoyed reading it. This book will be one that I'll come back to often to re-read the poems while sitting outside. Recommend this for everyone especially nature lovers like myself.

[Sandra Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid camper and hiker, I found the prose vivid and moving. The first time I read it, I was transported to a specific season, place and time. It was a quick read, the first time. The second time, I savored each word and line. Would recommend reading outdoors and leisurely.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautiful collection of nature poetry spoke to me. As a nature loving, tree hugging, Bird nerd, friend of all animals, protector of all bugs, and collector of rocks and feathers; this was my kind of book. Thoughtful, inspiring, beautiful.

[Alicia Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read! I love poetry and Robert J. Tiess has hit that magical button. Fall in love with nature and remember that people are good. A wonderful way to relax. Happy reading!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought-provoking nature poetry.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

✍️✍🏼✍🏽