WORLD OF WONDERS In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments

American poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil's voice is gentle as she tells listeners how her love of nature developed in childhood. The poet fondly recalls her father taking the family to the Great Smoky Mountains to see the glowing fireflies. She remembers, with defiance in her voice, not being allowed to draw a peacock, India's national bird, for a class project in drawing wildlife. She brings a childlike sense of wonder to a reflection on walking among the trees of the University of Mississippi campus, where she teaches writing, and to swimming in a tank of whale sharks and other creatures. Nezhukumatathil also tells of the passing wonder of taking her son to an Audubon bird count. Listeners are occasionally asked to "try it themselves"--as when she recalls talking to birds as a child. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2020]