Q&A with The City of Greenville's inaugural Poet Laureate, Glenis Redmond

In The Song of Everything, you write that when in nature, we find our own truest nature. What does that mean to you?

For me, that means stepping away from the hustle and bustle of our manmade lives — the to-do lists, screens, and constant busyness — and returning to a place where we can slow down, breathe, and truly listen to ourselves. Nature gives us space to feel the emotions we often push aside: anxiety, grief, and even joy. It reminds us to recreate, play, and most importantly, be.

Tending to one’s inner nature is as vital as tending to the outer world. The place that we are not just in nature, but we become like nature: river, rock, or a tree, whatever need be. There is solace and sanctuary in finding our deepest selves.

Your recent work is inspired by outdoor explorations with your grandson. Can you tell us about an impactful experience you had when visiting South Carolina’s State Parks?

While Julian and I were visiting several coastal state parks, we spent a day on the beach. Julian quickly made friends with a little boy next to us, and they spent hours flying kites and building sandcastles. Eventually, the boy’s mother came over to chat with me. She assumed I was Julian’s mom, but I told her I was his Gaga. I explained our quest to visit all the state parks and how I take Julian on these trips to give his mother — my daughter — a break and deepen my bond with him.

She began to cry. She said, “I never had someone stand in the gap for me.” Her words struck me deeply. That moment reminded me how mighty simple acts of love and presence can be and that we often carry stories and burdens others can't see at a glance. Though living with cancer, I am grateful for my life and my loved ones. I am grateful that I can give to myself, my family, and others.

Where in the Upstate do you go to seek solace in nature?

Although Julian and I are working toward visiting all 47 state parks, we often return to parks we’ve already explored. Just last week, I went to Devils Fork State Park alone, hoping to glimpse the elusive Oconee Bell. Julian didn’t come with me — his allergies were flaring up — but I was determined to find that flower. And I did. It lifted my spirits in a way only nature can. You would have thought that I had discovered buried treasure.

Other days, when I’m overwhelmed, I glance at a map. Get in the car and go. Head “over yonder,” as my grandmother would say, which is the title of my second book in this series. There are too many special places to name, but every one of them offers its kind of balm. Wherever there are trees and streams, you might find me — feet on the ground and heart in hand.

What do you hope today’s children learn from the natural world?

I hope children remember that nature is both a teacher and a playground. It's where awe, beauty, and joy meet. It teaches us to wonder, to pay attention, and to slow down. I want the next generation never to be too cool to delight in the simple things, no matter how they grow or mature. To listen to the wind, to follow a bug’s trail, or to heed the gentle wisdom of this poem:

Permission to Meander and Lollygag at Croft State Park
By Glenis Redmond

Traipse. Fritter. Wander.
Putter. Totter. Tarry. Loll.
Dilly. Dally. Dawdle. Stroll.

Saunter. Amble. Lag.
Mosey. Flow. Fixin’ to go.
Don’t hurry. Be here.

Glenis Redmond is the City of Greenville's inaugural Poet Laureate, as well as a Baldwin Fellow 2024-2025 and a Poet Laureate Fellow 2023 as selected by the American Academy of Poets. She was chosen to be a Citizen Diplomat with the Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center and is a Kennedy Center Teaching Artist.

In 2024, Glenis published The Song of Everything, a poetic journey through South Carolina's State Parks. Other published works include Praise Songs for Dave the Potter, The Listening Skin, What My Hand Say, Under the Sun, Backbone, and more. Upstate Forever was honored to host Glenis for a special poetry reading at the 2025 ForeverGreen Awards luncheon.

To learn more and shop her work, please visit glenisredmond.com.