Australian poetry: reflections on nature, space and identity

Abstract

In the relatively brief history of written Australian poetry, nature has emerged as a quintessential theme. As a space and a physical expression of the natural world, nature is expressed through many styles. Even in urban poetry, nature is often held in the frame of a window, in memory, or as scarred residues in developed spaces. Contemporary poets in Australia often express a consciousness of nature, even if direct reference to the natural world is absent in an individual poem. With little to distinguish Australia's urban environment from any other city in the world, symbology of the bush and beach helps fuel the construction of Australian identity and poetry. This article explores the role of nature in Australian poetry that has helped shaped views of natural landscapes and Australian identity.