Bees, and After

The 119th winner of the Yale Series of Younger Poets prize puts science at the center of his strong poems.

For John Liles, it is science and the natural world that open up for him a route into the workings of love, grief, and joy in the thrum of life. Judge Rae Armantrout calls his poems "dense, sonically gorgeous studies of various natural things and creatures, including light, bees, minerals, shellfish and crabs, insects, and the workings (and failure) of the heart." Written under the shadow of our changing climate, Liles's poems are tender elegies but also praise-songs for the continual unfolding richness of the world. Writes Liles, "oh unending animal, / you go where / the light goes."

"Bees, and After," is a debut poetry collection by John Liles, winner of the Yale Series of Younger Poets prize, an evocative interpretation of the natural world seen through the lens of environmental change and human impact. With climate change as a center point, Liles works into a compelling narrative about how delicate nature's balance really is, the essential role that bees play, and looming over all of it, the threat that all of this poses to all life on Earth.

It's a collection that not only exults the beauty of bees but mourns the slow decline of such vital pollinators. The diction is lush and full of reverie about the natural world, but there is a sense of urgent fear that lurks behind his verses. His poems are a clarion call to action, raising awareness of the interdependence of all living things and the danger that looms large over us if we do not protect them.

Liles' style is reflective and elegiac, encouraging readers to slow down to consider the broader implications of humanity's neglect of the environment. He moves fluidly from moments of personal connection with nature to broader, more general thoughts on climate change and the worldwide effects it has. The result is a hauntingly beautiful collection that is not only a demonstration of Liles' skill as a poet but also a reminder of what is at stake in the ongoing environmental crisis.

Documentary Review: "Bees, and After"

The documentary adaptation of "Bees, and After" is a thought-provoking visual extension of John Liles' poetry, expanding on the themes of environmental decay, the disappearance of bees, and the ripple effects of climate change on the planet's ecosystems. Directed by a team of environmentally conscious filmmakers, the documentary takes viewers on a journey through various landscapes that Liles' poetry touches on, giving us a close-up view of the crucial role bees play in sustaining biodiversity.

The film artfully weaves together stunning imagery of bees in action with interviews from scientists, environmentalists, and climate change advocates who speak to the significance of bees in the pollination of crops and flowers. Liles himself makes appearances throughout the documentary, reading excerpts from his collection and offering insight into his creative process. His presence brings an added depth to the film, blending art with activism in a way that feels organic and impactful.

The documentary's strongest feature is that it will let the audience see the vulnerabilities of ecosystems in relation to climate change. Scenes of empty fields, failing bee colonies, and extreme climatic events set against the musical poetry of Liles bring home the idea that now is the time for action. It doesn't hide from the grim reality of the environmental destruction but brings it to an end on a note of cautious hope, reminding the viewer that everything in this world is connected and must be cared for and protected.

Overall, both the poetry collection and the documentary adaptation of "Bees, and After" are crucial works for anyone concerned about the environment and climate change. The words of Liles coupled with the visual power of the documentary form a moving tribute to bees and a compelling call to action for environmental preservation.