During Intersession, Danville High School teacher Kellsie Covington led a course called Environmental Writing — a class that allowed students to connect with nature and express their feelings through writing and art. The course has students engage with nature and reflect on their experiences through creative expression. 

“I took an environmental writing class when I was in college, and it was one of the classes that actually convinced me to change my major to English,” Ms. Covington said. “I think it is important to take time to be outside and to notice the small things.”

This course aims to facilitate a deeper connection with nature, allowing students to explore themes of environmentalism, natural connectedness and introspection. The course enables them to take a closer look at their connection to the natural world, and inspires them to develop a deeper understanding of identity and creativity. .

“I think it is also important to fold art into everyday moments of life, it is important for mental health, and just something that I want to share with kids,” Covington said. 

The Crow’s Nest was able to view select poems from the course, and some students were willing to share their work for publication. Below, you can view a poem created during the course:

Poem by Oliver Meng:

Is Death a person? 

Does it come in a cloak as dark as night

At the Earth’s darkest hour?

Does it come with a silver moon scythe, 

Sharp enough to reap your soul?

Or is Death a place? 

Something where we go when we reach our “End;” 

Heaven, hell, everlasting torture, or forever peace.

Or is Death what comes 

At the very end of our lives?