Summer Solstice 2021

Mark Doherty

Mark is a poet, essayist, and songwriter who lives for nature and the outdoors. He recently retired from 30 years as a full time high school English teacher. ((You can contact Mark at [email protected]))

NEW MARK'S BOOK LIST on SHEPHERD'S

Creativity, Teaching, and Natural Inspiration Amazon, Unsolicited Press

Interstices Smashwords, Nook

The Jack Carment Tales: A Delightful Four Novella Series
The Howling of Holcomb Peak / The Light of Shimmering Cove /
The Gliding Through Nordic Fields / The Cascading of Mountain Poetry Smashwords, Nook

YouTube Channel Mark Doherty New Resource for Teachers at TPT

6/12/2021

Summer Solstice 2021

25 Comments

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I'm hoping that at least a few of my former students are out there and happen to find this post. It's summer solstice again, and though I have much to celebrate, like retiring from teaching this June, I also have growing concerns for the natural world that we all love so much.
When I began teaching thirty years ago, I was a poet, singer, songwriter, and backcountry guide with a passion for "saving the planet." But aside from writing poems and songs and sharing secret places with people I hoped would vote to protect them, there was little I could do that would have real impact regarding the man/nature interface and its growing crisis.
So I turned to teaching, and in so doing, I have shared with my students knowledge about our natural world that most likely would never have reached them. If knowledge is indeed power, I pray that I have empowered thousands of people to be passionate about our natural world, to understand how our world came to this juncture in time and place and history, and to care enough to make change happen, both on a personal level, and for those with connections, on a political and social level as well.
Let us all now be guided by the wisdom of the authors I was able to teach: Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Aldo Leopold, Rachel Carson, Edward Abbey, Al Gore, Edward O. Wilson, Rebecca Costa, and many more.

25 Comments

Links to audio recordings of Mark's lyrical poetry:

Whitewater Eyes https://youtu.be/qd0rsmzC5fg

Moenkopi Memories https://youtu.be/c_Kq4FQYFKk

Look for more coming soon!

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Upcoming Publications:
will come out in August, 2020 via

Current Publications:

Creative Nonfiction (Book Length)
Creativity, Teaching and Natural Inspiration published by Unsolicited Press.
Poetry Chapbook
Walking Natural Pathways published by Unsolicited Press. http://www.unsolicitedpress.com/ (June, 2018)
"Seasonal Sonnets"
http://classicalpoets.org/category/poetry/ (March 20, 2018)

CREATIVE NONFICTION (Short works)
"The Singing Rainbow, An Unforgettable Event for a Working Folk Musician"
     http://www.dmd27.org/CLA.html (18:2 August 2017) and in
      River Poets Journal Vol 11 Issue 2 (2017)
"Power Out One Night at the Outlaw Saloon"
     http://www.dmd27.org/CLA.html (18:3 December 2017)

ESSAYS (Academic)
"The Adverb Surfaces in Poetic Prose and Intimates in Dramatic Dialogue"
     http://www.dmd27.org/CLA.html (18:2 August 2017)
"The Evolving Storm of Science as Captured in English Verse"
    http://www.dmd27.org/CLA.html (18:3 December 2017)
"The Power of Tides, The Impulses of Mankind, A Marxist and Cultural Materialist View of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness"
     Pennsylvania Literary Journal (Vol IX, Issue 2) Summer 2017

John Zhao

8/16/2021 09:01:34 am

Thank you for this insightful post! Learning in your classroom definitely changed the way I see and value nature. It was very inspiring and refreshing to see the way you truly embodied the philosophy you taught, biking to class in all weather conditions, teaching conservation through English literature, and directing us to amazing texts like Walden and Silent Spring.

Shaistah Din

8/18/2021 12:23:55 pm

Mr. Doherty,

The man/nature interface and the crisis it brings with it was first introduced to me through your class. I am grateful for the education I received and the early exposure to the threats posed to the natural word. The writings from your class have provided me with the knowledge and perspectives that I can now use to strengthen my connection with the natural world during my time in university and beyond. Thank you for all that you continue to do.

Shika Jwala

8/18/2021 02:36:14 pm

Mr. Doherty,

Growing up, I was always told that nature is important and it’s our responsibility to care for it. It wasn’t until your class that I realized how important the man/nature conflict is for the future of life. Your genuine passion and love for the natural world is truly inspirational. Thank you for everything you’ve done for your students!

Neha Jwala

8/18/2021 06:14:52 pm

Mr.D,
Thank you for not only teaching me about the man/nature conflict but helping me experience it and truly immerse myself in understanding the natural world through these great authors, including yourself. You always described your classroom like an “Eddy”, you would always find ways to connect us to the bigger picture and only now do I fully appreciate the magnitude of the knowledge you’ve empowered me with. Thank you for being the best teacher I’ve ever had

Nish Patel

8/21/2021 10:31:54 am

Mr. Doherty

Speaking as a former student, your courses were not only informative and enjoyable, but also inspirational. Your passion for nature and saving the planet were clear, and the knowledge you shared empowered many including myself to consciously make better decisions. I am truly grateful how you went above and beyond your duties of teaching to instill in us not only knowledge, but also values.

Grace

8/21/2021 12:09:10 pm

Thank you for sharing Mr. Doherty. Your classroom was like a jetty for students to come in and learn and leave better than we came.

Abhiijith Harikumar

8/21/2021 12:37:57 pm

I have had the privilege of having you as my teacher for three years, first as a debate coach and then as an English and Literature teacher. I can safely say that your classes were the most impactful that I had taken throughout high school. Not only did your instruction instill within me a passion for environmental conservation and the natural world, but you also helped me become the critical thinker that I am today. You've given me the skills to understand art as a text and be able to critically analyze it to gain a better understanding of the artist. Thank you for doing everything you did to ensure that your classroom was engaging and enlightening for the rest of our lives.

Marshall Underwood

8/28/2021 09:25:05 am

Well said, Abhi! My appreciation for our planet truly started in Mr. Doherty’s classroom.

Ethan Ellsworth

8/26/2021 03:34:09 pm

It was an absolute pleasure being a student in your class Mr. Doherty. You were an amazing teacher and I gained so many valuable insights into the world around me from my time in your class. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication you put into teaching.

Alan Z.

8/27/2021 09:45:35 am

Hillcrest's IB English program had us read "A Sand County Almanac" over one Summer. With your emphasis on nature during your class, I am motivated to go back and reread it. Your focus on nature has certainly left behind at least some of what you wished for by going into teaching! And thank you for providing it.

Sabah S.

8/27/2021 06:32:58 pm

Thank you for sharing this piece! It reminds me of the short essay compilation by Terry Tempest Williams (also a Utahn who turned to teaching in order to instill the value of the natural world). You might enjoy some of her work (if you haven't already).

Gregory Barashyan

8/27/2021 11:15:26 pm

Mr. Doherty,
Your words continue to inspire, and your impact as a teacher in my life is immense. Your appreciation for the English language and desire to share with us your understanding of the world through language has left a deep and meaningful impact to any of your students. You are an amazing teacher and I hope that you. continue writing these excerpts.

8/28/2021 09:30:22 am

I would like to confirm that the knowledge you shared would have likely never reached some students without your efforts. Personally, you were one of the only adults that I knew in high school who showed concern for our planet.

I have since met many more, but only because I was exposed to open discussion about “the man/nature interface and it’s growing crisis.”

Jackie Lopez

8/28/2021 09:43:35 am

Mr. Doherty,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the memories you created in the classroom. You have no idea that vast impact you made for each and every one of your students. The immense passion you showed us for nature and poetry allowed us to recognize the privilege we have in experiencing this unique world. Thank you for all that you have done.

Maria Steenblik (Simashova)

8/28/2021 10:32:52 am

Mr. Doherty,

Thank you for sharing this. I would like to echo what all of the previous comments have already stated so beautifully. Your English class in high school was truly one of my favorite learning experiences. The effort that you put in to teaching is greatly appreciated and doesn’t go unnoticed. You are an incredible soul and your passion for the environment is truly inspiring.

Nicholas Cockrell

8/28/2021 02:44:27 pm

Mr. Doherty

Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for the passion you shared with us in the classroom. Throughout the pandemic, I have visit dozens of national and state parks to enjoy the beauty that the outdoors have to offer. On every drive, I turn on my Kate Wolf-inspired playlist—an artist who you introduced me to nearly ten years ago.

Your class inspired me to do my part to preserve the earth and work to make the world a better place. In debate, too, you helped me find my voice and develop necessary skills to communicate my ideas and fight for the things I am passionate about.

Today, I continue to find ways engage in public service and I have no doubt you inspired countless other students along the way. I have hope for the future, but only if everyone steps up and does their part.

PS, I'm going camping next weekend with a couple other HHS alum. You bet we'll be listening to Kate Wolf and thinking about you!

-Nick Cockrell

Mackenzie McDonald

8/28/2021 03:47:06 pm

Wow this post just about made me cry. When I think back to high school, I’m grateful not only for the introduction to the wonderful and complex world of environmentalism, but always for being able to listen to your songs and learn about the value of music as a medium. It was the highlight of my day and many others to be able to have guided discussions about important topics from someone that was so clearly passionate about it. You not only taught your students to care for the world around us, but prepared us with the skills necessary to have these difficult discussions and work towards solutions. If it weren’t for you, I don’t know if I ever would have enrolled in the sustainability and environmental studies classes that proved to be some of the most interesting and influential in my adult life and career. Thank you for sharing your love for the world with your students!

Brady Hartog

8/30/2021 12:11:02 pm

Mr. Doherty,

I’m really glad to find this post. Thanks for sharing your insight on your background and intentions behind teaching. As someone with an interest in teaching, I take great inspiration from your creative, cross-disciplinary approach.

I’m grateful that you shared with us those authors, as they have since come up again in my university courses. In one of my favorite courses, “Foundations of Business Thought,” one of the first texts we encountered was Thoreau’s “Economy,” from Walden. It’s interesting to me that the same work could be used to teach about two rather distinct subjects, namely ecology and business. I think this fact speaks volumes about the way we ought to conduct business with a view toward honoring the natural world.

Thanks for sharing your writings with us all. Incidentally, I’m reminded of Thoreau’s wise saying, that “a written word is the choicest of relics.” Hope to see you at a reading in the near future.

Heidi Keefer

9/2/2021 07:30:13 am

Thank you for your comments, your commitment, and your example. I loved teaching with you! I am excited for your new adventures but I miss working with you in the classroom.

Please keep in touch. I would love to hear about your adventures :-) I'm glad I finally took the time to look up your website!

Valeria

9/3/2021 01:48:20 pm

Mr. Doherty,
Thank you for sharing this post and congratulations on your retirement. I cannot begin to express the impact that your teachings have had on my views of this planet we all share and the responsibilities we each have to protect it. We live in frustrating times where conversations about conservation are not a priority for many. Even in this moment as I prepare for wildfire season here in California, I turn to my well-worn copy of “A Sand County Almanac” as well as the teachings from your class to find understanding and hope for a better tomorrow. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion for the natural world with us.

Alex C.

9/3/2021 11:20:04 pm

Mr. Doherty,

Congratulations on your retirement. I remember talking to my college English professor about how much I enjoyed your class. Your focus on the environment and nature helped me realize how beautiful the natural world is and appreciate it more whenever I go for a hike or trip to a national park. With the climate crisis worsening like you mentioned, I am just hoping that there are more teachers like you with your passion and effort to help students understand how important our planet is. Your teachings certainly helped me realize the importance of environmental conservation.

Alvin Tsang

9/7/2021 09:32:16 am

Thank you for your post Mr. Doherty! Your dedication and focus in teaching your students to be more conscious of our natural world imparts meaningful impact in how I conduct my life (and I'm sure all of your other students and my classmates would agree with this sentiment). Thank you for sharing your passions and giving lots to the HHS student body, I'm excited to see your work in this new chapter of your life.

Sara Diggins

9/9/2021 08:59:44 am

Mr Doherty,

Thank you for sharing these words and for choosing a career in which you did educate and empower so many young people. Your class was formative in my love for the natural world, not just in experiencing it, but appreciating it for more than just the human experience I received.

I think of your class often as I move forward through my career and life. Our whole generation must take on the role of climate activist if we wish to save our world, and your class was likely a major step for many in that direction. Thank you for what you do, and enjoy your next adventures.

Tyler Ball

9/9/2021 10:53:51 am

Mr. Doherty,

Your teaching really did inspire me to take better care of our planet. I feel guilty for all the waste that results from my work as a chemist, but I'm doing my best to live sustainably in my personal life and to reduce waste in the lab. I feel confident in saying that you inspired many students and I, personally, am grateful for the time I spent in your class. I hope that I can be like you as I move forward in my career and inspire others to care about our planet more.

Amy Zhan

9/16/2021 11:14:28 am

Mr. Doherty,

You were without competition my favorite teacher to have had the honor of learning from in the entirety of my high school experience. While I was a precocious student, I was also a bit a delinquent teenager who sometimes skipped a few too many classes, but I never skipped a single class of yours as to do so would've been tantamount to sacrilege. Ironically, when I was skipping classes I was often enjoying nature in Little or Big Cottonwood Canyon, which were thankfully close enough to Hillcrest High School for me to make it back by third period to attend AP Language and Composition with you.

My favorite work that you exposed me to was Walden by Henry David Thoreau. I consider this experience as a huge milestone in my incipient development of a passion for literature. You only assigned us to read the concluding chapter I believe, but I was so inspired by this assignment that I read the entire work outside of class that year. I remember bringing it in my fanny pack with a pen and highlighter for making annotations during my family trip to Arches National Park when I was 15 or 16 years old and feeling exalted by the experience of reading it in that environment.

You not only imbued me with a greater appreciation of the natural world, sustainability, and literature, but also with an optimistic trust in the benevolence of human nature. You have always been a model of kindness and empathy whom I've looked up to and still reminisce about, and the memory of your impact fights back the inclinations toward cynicism that the adult years since high school have pushed me toward. In fact, Sam Bemis and I used to joke about making "WWMDD" bracelets parodying "WWJD" bracelets because we viewed you as such an enduring moral example.

I'm excited for you to embark on new adventures in the next chapter of your life and I would love to stay in touch as seeing the notification that you messaged me was the highlight of my day.

The music of Memories
Outdoors, out west, out of the ordinary

Mark Doherty

Summer Solstice 2021

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Author

Links to audio recordings of Mark's lyrical poetry:

Whitewater Eyes https://youtu.be/qd0rsmzC5fg

Moenkopi Memories https://youtu.be/c_Kq4FQYFKk

Look for more coming soon!

The music of Memories Outdoors, out west, out of the ordinary

Mark Doherty

Summer Solstice 2021

Leave a Reply.

Author

Links to audio recordings of Mark's lyrical poetry:Whitewater Eyes https://youtu.be/qd0rsmzC5fg Moenkopi Memories https://youtu.be/c_Kq4FQYFKkLook for more coming soon!

The music of Memories
Outdoors, out west, out of the ordinary

Links to audio recordings of Mark's lyrical poetry:

Whitewater Eyes https://youtu.be/qd0rsmzC5fg

Moenkopi Memories https://youtu.be/c_Kq4FQYFKk

Look for more coming soon!