Snyder is unflinchingly and unapologetically dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural world. Through an analysis of his poems, it becomes clear that he holds the natural world with the highest regard and that he also deeply admires his fellow poets—specifically those who also dedicate their time to sharing the tales of the earth. Many of Snyder’s poems suggest that humanity is detrimental to the health and success of the earth, mainly due to the fact that we have lost any sense of respect for the planet we call home.
In “The Call of the Wild,” for example, Snyder explores how humanity has lost its instinctual drive to preserve and respect the earth. We no longer hunt for nor gather our own meals. We no longer need to pay direct homage to the planet, for we do not view it as life-giving anymore. Instead, we purchase our food and meat from stores, who have been supplied these supplies by farmers and animal-raisers. We no longer wage war against the elements, but instead wage war against each other. And, as Snyder points out in this poem, the effects of war extend far beyond the loss of human life. Our war-like efforts destroy and damage the plants, animals, and habitats that we have invaded. In this way, Snyder concludes, humankind is a scourge and a war upon the earth.
This sentiment is reflected throughout many of Snyder’s poems. In “The Great Mother,” Snyder shares his belief that Mother Nature is a God-like being, who has the power to judge and administer punishment to earth’s inhabitants—including and most specifically mankind. Though Snyder does not specific what this judgement/punishment may look like, he strongly suggests that Mother Nature will not have been impressed by the way we have treated her gift and will administer a punishment that is fitting of the shame we have brought upon the planet.
Similarly, in “The Uses of Light,” Snyder subtly pays homage to the natural world, whilst simultaneously showing his disdain for man’s meddling in the natural world. He suggests that natural light—that is, light provided naturally by the sun—has dozens upon dozens of uses for a plethora of creatures on the globe. He explains that the sun’s light warms the rocks that provide shelters for small animals and insects. It nourishes trees and allows plants to feed their roots and leaves. It shines light upon all the earth, warming it, and permitting habitats, plants, and animals to flourish and survive. In the midst of these respectful descriptions, the narrator references man-made or unnatural light, such as from a lightbulb. He describes how moths are drawn to these lights and will often meet their doom here, perhaps getting caught in a spider’s web. In this way, the narrator shows how deeply he respects the earth’s ability to nourish itself and its inhabitants whilst simultaneously shaming humans for interrupting this balance.
In short, it is clear that Snyder uses his poetic license as a platform from which he can share his environmental rhetoric. He aims to warn humanity that, if we continue abusing and using the earth in the same way, without due respect or reverence, we will destroy both the planet and ourselves. That said, Snyder clearly holds great respect for his fellow poets, who are also dedicated to sharing the importance of environmental preservation. In “As for Poets,” Snyder describes six different types of poets, five of whom he likens to the different elements of earth, including fire, air, water, and space. In doing so, Snyder draws a parallel between these essential elements and the importance of these poets. In this way, it is clear that Snyder was very purposeful with the poems he selected to appear in this collection. Each poem works in conjunction with another to craft a warning for humanity regarding our treatment of the earth.
