The Peacock to the Admiral said
(as on the thistle blooms they fed)
‘What think’st thou of this human-kind
do they have soul, or sense, or mind?’
One lighted on a human hand
as if to say, ‘I understand:
you have such power over me
yet do not wield it lovingly.’
And sure enough Man casts his net:
and pins her in his cabinet
no more the vaulted skies to bless
with undiluted happiness.
Man thinks himself omnipotent
though earthly treasures are but lent
till Nature in her kind returns
Man’s labour, lands and bridges burns.
© 2022 experimentsinfiction.com. All Rights Reserved.
Written for earthweal
We have had unprecedented heat followed by heavy rain in the North of England, so it was a relief to see some corner of the natural world still thriving on my walk today…



Sharing with earthweal’s Open Link Weekend #132
Your photos are lovely. Also loved the poem in the style of a more serious Edward Lear. Yes man’s nature is unfortunate and nature will revenge herself on us. Enjoyed this
Thank you Rall!
This poem is beautifully done. The rhyme, rhythm and metre are spot-on, and the message resonates. Glad you saw some butterflies. Hope the heat abates.
Thank you for your kind words! 🦋
LOVE this, Ingrid. Beautiful message and flow ! Gorgeous pictures too.💕
Thank you Grace 🦋 they let me get up close…😊
The must have sensed great peace within you. That’s wonderful.💕
Almost a song – beautiful !
Thank you 🙏
A fabulous fable you have written, Ingrid! 👏🏻
Thank you Michele 🙏
Such beauty. We could learn much just from walking and watching–as you so wonderfully relate. (K)
Thank you Kerfe: I am trying to learn!
Your words always are music to my ears penned to perfection with nature being the primary gift front and center Ingrid. Happy you got some rain!! 💖💖
Thank you Cindy – we have plenty of rain today too 😅 ☔️
Seeing butterflies is a great spirit-lifter, but man is so sadly predictable. Wonderfully expressed Ingrid.
Thank you!
A beautiful flow of words, and a powerful statement everyone should heed. Wonderful poetry, Ingrid!
Thank you 🙏
I like how you’ve employed the couplets here, Ingrid; as gentle wings and mirrors.
Thank you Nick: 🦋🪞🦋
Gorgeous photos and exquisite, meaningful poem, Ingrid! <3
I am glad you enjoyed this, Cheryl, thank you!
Wonderful rhythm and profound message.
I am glad you like the poem, Jude, thank you 🦋
My pleasure
I really liked this poem, it strokes with my beliefs. Great post!
Thank you!