In Praise of Creation is a poem written by Elizabeth Jennings and was first published in 1987.
In the poem, Jennings describes the natural world through use of animal imagery as well as that of the skies and stars. There are heavy religious themes underlying the poem, as the Speaker conveys a sense of divinity and oneness associated with the natural surroundings. Indeed, it is implied that God and nature are one and the same, and His presence can be felt across all life.
The regular use of alliteration and sibilance throughout the poem provides a background drumbeat-like sound. Moreover, the steady ABAB rhyme scheme reflects the divine order of the natural world, and suggests its presence is absolute. However, occasional use of half-rhymes, and the imagery of tigers, reflects how sometimes nature can be wild and have a life of its own.
