Most likely Wendell Berry understands something I don’t but the title of this poem doesn’t seem to match the grim beauty of his words. Both, however, fit my mood.
The Wish to Be Generous
All that I serve will die, all my delights,
the flesh kindled from my flesh, garden and field,
the silent lilies standing in the woods,
the woods, the hill, the whole earth, all
will burn in man’s evil, or dwindle
in its own age. Let the world bring on me
the sleep of darkness without stars, so I may know
my little light taken from me into the seed
of the beginning and the end, so I may bow
to mystery, and take my stand on the earth
like a tree in a field, passing without haste
or regret toward what will be, my life
a patient willing descent into the grass.
~ Wendell Berry ~
(The Collected Poems, 1957-1982)
Beautiful poem but not thrilled this is how you are feeling. Actually makes me worry some. I know times are tough but hang in there and onto the ones who love you and adore you. Maybe go read some of Westi’s writings on her page to perk up and remember that even though things are bad now, you still have a great wealth (and I don’t mean money, a cursed house on a mountain, etc…)
I love and adore you!
Your little sister,
Michele
So sweet, Michele. I am fine though I have come to a new understanding that there really is evil in this world. Often it is so vast that I can’t really take it in but it is touching me in a (relatively) small but personal way right now with this lawsuit. The man responsible is terrorizing many people for no possible gain to anyone, except of course, to provide lucrative job security to the those in the legal profession. It is also a rude education to really understand how little our system of law has to do with justice or what is fair or right. Whatever helps keep perspective is good, be it a loving statement of adoration from my baby sister or the poetic perspective of Wendell Barry. Thank you.
The only thing to say is I love you! The world
is not a very nice place sometimes but fortunately
we have not had to experience it very much. It
comes as a shock when it happens. You do have
many blessings so keep a perspective in your life.
We are here for you. love ya
Yep. It’s true. Thanks, Mom.
Laura – On reading this poem I almost shuddered with the resonance I felt. Where shall we find hope and light? It comforted me to read the love that flowed from your family’s comments. Connections make life bearable when our little flame gutters in the cold. I send my so human hug across the vast plains, across winter to lay lightly on your shoulders.
More poetry to delight… this time from Ohio! Thanks Cathy!
Oh, and by the way, Michele… it isn’t my house that is “cursed”… it is my neighbor!