Jenny

A Production of the YSU Student Literary Arts Association

Teaching Me My Nature

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.


About Jenny

Jennymag.org is the online literary magazine of the Student Literary Arts Association at Youngstown State University. It’s our yearly collection of our favorite written work and photography from Youngstown and from around the world.

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