by Santajah Douglass
Someone once told me to dig deep and live,
To never be afraid, to always give
My all to the world, to embrace the lows
And the highs, to let my true colors show.
They said that the mind can sometimes stray,
But to keep pushing forward, to find a way
To stay grounded, to stay true to myself
And to always seek beauty, to find happiness.
I took their words to heart, I let them sink in
And I found that in nature, I could begin
To truly understand the beauty of life
And the balance of joy and strife.
Every rose has its thorns, they say
But you showed me the beauty in every display
Of nature’s wonders, of the world around
And how everything is connected, how nothing is bound.
In the trees, in the grass, in the rocks that call
To me as I wander, as I explore it all
I feel a sense of peace, a sense of calm
As if I’ve found my place, as if I belong.
It’s like a symphony, nature’s song
And every time I walk, I feel so strong
As if I’m one with the earth, as if I’m free
To be myself, to let my spirit roam free.
I see the sunlight filtering through the leaves
I hear the rustling of the wind in the trees
I feel the warmth of the earth beneath my feet
And I know that this is where I’m meant to be.
The colors of the flowers, the scent of the air
The sound of the birds, the world so fair
It all speaks to me, it all calls my name
And I feel a sense of peace, a sense of calm.
I know that life can be unpredictable
But in nature, I find something reliable
A sense of grounding, a sense of peace
That helps me navigate life’s ups and downs with ease.
So I’ll continue to wander, to explore
To let nature guide me, to open the door
To a world of beauty, of wonder and awe
To a world where I can truly be in awe.
For in nature, I find my true self
I find a sense of purpose, a sense of wealth
In the simplest things, in the smallest details
I find a sense of peace that never fails.
So thank you, dear friend, for showing me
The beauty of nature, the beauty that’s free
For teaching me to dig deep and live
And to never be afraid, to always give.
Santajah Douglass is an aspiring writer and poet currently residing in Youngstown, Ohio. With a passion for exploring the human experience and the natural world, her work often delves into themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the interconnectedness of all living things. She is deeply connected to the Mahoning Valley and finds inspiration in its unique landscape and vibrant community.