Writing, Journaling & Poetry on Penikese Island

How did we translate our experience on Penikese Island into words?

Every student was responsible for keeping a nature journal throughout the time on the island. As a way to creatively synthesize our literary interpretations, we decided to take fragments from multiple entries and combine them into a cohesive poem. This piece is written from the journals of Natalie, Brooks, Beatrix, Maddie, Miles, and Preston.

Here, On the Island

How will I remember this?

The quiet, the stillness

Simply sitting 

With overwhelming gratitude 

For being where I am today.

The landscape outside

Looks like literary heaven

The moment is expansive

Time has felt nice and slow 

While we’ve been here

Blown away by the gentle breeze.

We share the sky together

Becoming heavily aware of 

How fast the Earth 

Must be moving

And how it feels so still.

To be held and surrounded

To have water all around you 

Almost a fever dream 

A dangle over the edge

I am just a kind and gentle guest

Who has come to be among it all.

The journey here was beautiful.

Here is beautiful, too.