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 painter’s 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! ❤️
© 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 children’s book, Cora’s 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 children’s book and another collection of poetry. Lauren’s 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! ❤️
Lovely imagery, Lauren. Mother Nature is beautiful in all her attires.
Thanks, Balroop, and so well said also! 🌻💗
Love the poem and your beautiful photo, too. 💗🌺
Thanks so much, Kymber! You never know what you’ll find when you’re in the great outdoors! ❤️🌻
I agree Lauren, they are beautiful and so is your poem 🤎🤗🤎
Thanks, Maggie! I haven’t written poetry in a while, so it was nice to become inspired. Sending lots of love and hugs to you, my friend. ❤️🌷❤️
You are so welcome Lauren.
Inspiration strikes when you least expect it 🤗.
Love and big squishy hugs to you dear friend 🥰❤️🥰
Exactly, Maggie! 😍💗🌺❤️
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!
Always a pleasure
Such a beautiful poem. I love the picture too. 🌸
Thanks so much, Holly! I’m happy you loved both! 🙂 🩷
Nature, your photo and your poem…..beautiful, dearest Lauren. Xxxx 💛🌻💛✨️😘
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 🩷🌷
💕 Lauren & Matt 💕
❤️🌷❤️
your post, a feast for the body, mind and spirit
What a lovely comment! Thanks, Annette! 💗🌺
I love the gorgeous fungi and you bring life to it with your poem, Lauren! Love the analogies and lovely metaphors.❣️💕🙏🏼
Thanks for your wonderful words, Cindy, and I’m glad you enjoyed this post! Nature is amazing, isn’t it?
❤️🌻❤️
Oh Wow! Those fungis are spectacular. I agree, nature is a genius with creativity. Speaking of creativity, love the poem, “unsurprising to the eye,” absolute gold. Hugs C
I had a feeling these fungi would be popular, Cheryl! 🙂 Thanks for your wonderful comment, and enjoy your Sunday! 💗🌻💗
Hi Lauren, I think a lot of fungi are very pretty. This one is no exception. A lovely poem to accompany your photograph. I finally got my review of King copper written and posted to Goodreads and Amazon.
I’m glad you like this photo, Robbie. I just thought it was so beautiful! And thank you for your kind words about my poem too. And a huge thanks for sharing your review. I saw a review on Amazon from Kindle Customer, but now I know it’s from you! I love it, and I’m so glad you loved the book. I’ll also send you my interview answers next week. 💖
Yes, I post as Amazon customer to prevent issues with the Amazon bots.
Oh, good idea! Thanks again, Robbie. I shared on Instagram and tagged you. I’ll share here when we do the interview. 🌷
I have to agree about the beauty of that fungi.
I had a hunch these fungi would get lots of positive attention, Liz! 😊
Indeed, it’s a visual entertainment that you’ve captured, Lauren. And you accompany it with a beautiful poem. Happy Sunday, and enjoy nature.
Thanks for your lovely words, Hazel! I know you appreciate nature’s gifts as much as I do. Have a great week ahead! Hugs 🥰
A happy and blessed week to you, Lauren. Thank you and my pleasure.
I love your photo and your poem!
Thanks so much, Elizabeth! I’m happy that you do! 🥰🌻
😊
Beautifully done!!! Nature is an inspiration for sure. Most of my best work are influenced and informed by nature.
Thanks for your kind words, Dawn! A good amount of my poetry is also inspired by the great outdoors. I’m glad you enjoyed this post! 🥰🌷
What a gift you have creating a vision with words
Thanks for your kindness, Ian. I really appreciate your encouraging words. 😊🙏
Good find, Lauren. Yes, fungus does not normally conjure up beautiful images. My toes are proof of that. 😊
Thanks, Pete, and thanks for the smiles. 😂😊
Nature is an amazing painter of beauty and that was a beautiful poem. The Wood-Decay Fungi are fascinating and I’ve often seen them in forests. However, your find is one of the most impressive I’ve seen. A great photo.
Lauren, nature is amazing with her artistry in different shapes and forms. Your poem is a perfect compliment to the image. 🌺🌱💚
Thanks for your lovely words, Eugi. Nature sure has her way, doesn’t she? 🙂 xoxo
You’re welcome, Lauren. 💐
I am always fascinated by the beauty that nature provides and your words support this beautiful find
Found artistry, for sure! Gorgeous in every way! Thank you, Lauren!
❤️😉❤️