When I think about the word fungi, ‘pretty’ doesn’t come to mind, and the same goes for fungus. But when I saw this gathering that grew on a rotting log while hiking with hubby, I thought they were unique and beautiful. How can we not appreciate nature’s gifts?

Reverence
A painterβs brush moves
across a clean white canvas
like an ice skater on a rink
where magic begins to happen…
just as nature dances
in sunlight and falling rain
creating artwork in lovely hues
and a myriad of shapes.
Her mystique gifts us
visual entertainment
unsurprising to the eye
and in unexpected places.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nature always inspires poetry, and I hope you enjoyed this piece.
Have a lovely weekend! β€οΈ
Β© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com
Author and poet, Lauren Scott, is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013), Finding a Balance (2015), Ever So Gently (2023), and King Copper (2025). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee. Her first childrenβs book, Coraβs Quest, was published in 2024. Lauren has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured on Spillwords Press where she was voted Author of the Month and garnered Publication of the Month awards. She is a recent recipient of the Publication of the Year (Poetic) Award. Lauren is a contributing author in several anthologies, and her work is showcased on LatinosUSA and Gobblers and Masticadores. She is currently working on her second childrenβs book and another collection of poetry. Laurenβs muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, reveling in simple things, and marveling at the mysteries of life.

Nature can be so beautiful! The poem goes well with the photo. xo
It sure can! Thanks so much, Darlene! β€οΈ
Lovely imagery, Lauren. Mother Nature is beautiful in all her attires.
Thanks, Balroop, and so well said also! π»π
Love the poem and your beautiful photo, too. ππΊ
Thanks so much, Kymber! You never know what youβll find when youβre in the great outdoors! β€οΈπ»
I agree Lauren, they are beautiful and so is your poem π€π€π€
Thanks, Maggie! I havenβt written poetry in a while, so it was nice to become inspired. Sending lots of love and hugs to you, my friend. β€οΈπ·β€οΈ
You are so welcome Lauren.
Inspiration strikes when you least expect it π€.
Love and big squishy hugs to you dear friend π₯°β€οΈπ₯°
Exactly, Maggie! πππΊβ€οΈ
It is beautiful. I hope Crispina has a look at this- she loves fungi! Your poem was the perfect accompaniment.
I’m glad you like these too, Violet, and thanks for your kind words! I don’t know Crispina, so she may not follow me.
The prompts from nature are endless, and you’ve done a great poem from this one.
I agree about nature’s prompts, Anneli, and thanks so much for your lovely words.
A really unique and beautiful sight
I’m glad you enjoyed these, Sadje! Thanks for popping in!
Such a beautiful poem. I love the picture too. πΈ
Thanks so much, Holly! I’m happy you loved both! π π©·
Nature, your photo and your poem…..beautiful, dearest Lauren. Xxxx ππ»πβ¨οΈπ
Thanks so much, Jane, for your beautiful words! Please know you both are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs and lots of love! xoxox π©·π·
π Lauren & Matt π