Poetry: "W.J. Beal Botanical Garden" | Beal Botanical Garden

W.J. Beal Botanical Garden

By Kasey Conklin

And here we are
You and me
Walking together
Down this very path

I'm glad you're here
I hope these grounds bring you comfort
And I hope these grounds bring you calm
You deserve it

And while you're here,
I hope you know I love you
In the way I love breathing
Under the gazebo in a warm breeze

A dance of currents
Of cut grass
Budding plants
And the Earth

And while you're here,
I hope you know I love you
In the way you could be anyone, and yet somehow
You are so much more than I ever could have imagined

You are so astonishing
Magnetic
Charming
And significant

And when you leave,
I hope you know I love you
In the way you
are the best part about this landscape

Amongst cacti
And herbs
And flowers
You somehow outshine them all

In and out of Beal, you are a botanical.
Beautiful, blossoming, and bright.
In nature, we all belong.
You will always belong.

Kasey Conklin (she/her)

Major: Human Biology (2026)

How do you see art connected to nature?
I see art everywhere in nature. In the way leaves fall in the autumn creating patterns, in the way droplets of water shatter the stillness of the atmosphere and paint the earth, in the way that eventually the sun will rise again. No matter where I look, I am always amazed at the ability to spot something so beautiful about nature. Nature is art, and it deserves to be seen and celebrated.

What inspired you to create your piece?
In composing my piece, I wanted to give the garden its own voice. Every time I'm in Beal, I feel a wise warmth exuding from the grounds. I wanted to take this feeling that I get deep within my being and share it with readers and visitors to the garden. I wanted the poem to feel so welcoming, readers have no question about the fact that they belong surrounded by the garden.

How does engaging in your passion improve your wellbeing?
Partaking in passions, whatever they might be, undoubtedly boosts meaning in life and general wellbeing. Engaging in poetry allows me a forum to express my thoughts. Either to an audience or just to myself, I am able to write through any emotions. Having poetry as an outlet has given me a sense of purpose, like there are great things that I can accomplish.