Saturday, January 2, 2021

The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me 
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.


I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief.  I come into the presence of still water.



And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting for their light.  



For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.




(The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry)

25 comments:

Saundra said...

There is beauty in the stillness of snow on the limbs of trees and a road less traveled. And for sure would not be travelling on that road but would enjoy the beauty from inside.

acorn hollow said...

Especially during this time my husband and I take great solace in the peace and beauty of the world itself. A sunrise, the flight of the birds on the way to the feeder, the millions of stars in the sky, The smiling moon. How peaceful it all is.
cathy

yaya said...

Beautiful poem and many days I wander into our woods and enjoy the quiet and the simple beauty that's there in every season. I know you have your beautiful lake to retreat to for that! I'll miss our woods the most when the time comes for us to leave for smaller digs!

Prims By The Water said...

At night I find repose alone by myself for awhile watching my Christmas lights and read. The lights will soon be taken down, so for now their twinkling lights makes me smile. Great post and Happy New Year my friend! Janice

Olde Dame Holly said...

Beautiful calming thoughts and images, thank you. Much needed.

Kaisievic said...

Wow! I love this, thank you so much - it brought me great peace.

Rugs and Pugs said...

Despair for the world. I know that feeling.
Did you take the pictures? Beautiful.

Julia said...

Nothing like the natural beauty of nature to calm the spirit. May peace retuns to you in the unspoiled beautty of nature like God intended. Nature is already efficient in it's own time and doesn't try to be more efficient than God intended it to be.
Be blessed.
Hugs, Julia

peggy said...

So beautiful, the photos and words by Kentucky author Wendell Berry! Happy New Year!

Shrimpton and Perfect said...

Powerful nature has the capacity to bring us true peace and happiness. If only the men in suits respected nature as we do.
Happy New Year Robin.

Jean
x

Dicky Bird said...

I like your illustration of his words. Happy New Year

Farm Girl said...

Is that you walking with that gorgeous coat in the snow? That is beautiful. So are the words. I love Wendell Berry. The snow on the trees and the snowy road are incredible. I love how you illustrated those beautiful words.
Happy New Year!
The Storm is upon us. ;)

Constance said...

Beautiful

Jan Hebert said...

Beautiful poem Robin and you've illustrated it perfectly. Stay safe... Jan in MA

kcmrugs@gmail.com said...

Wendell Berry! Yet another reason to like you! It’s so hard to stay in a moment a “be.” Yet nature’s example IS contagious. Thank you

Jennie in GA said...

So appropriate for these times.

NMK said...

Beautiful ....I feel so much better when I can go for a nice walk and enjoy the calm & peace .

WoolenSails said...

That is a beautiful poem and so fitting for these times.

Debbie

Woman Seeking Center said...

Dear Crow

I daresay I actually felt my soul sigh with hope whilst reading your words & floating thru your images within this offering. You've magically created a moment of much needed comfort and calm amid these heart wrenching times.
Thank you, thank you, thank you....

moosecraft said...

Oh so true! A day in the peace of nature ALWAYS does the soul good! :-)

Farmhouse prims said...

So beautiful, thanks for sharing. hugs, Lecia

marly said...

Whoa. Thanks Robin.

Susan Kane said...

Such a great choice. the photos remind us that if we are still, silent even, we will be blessed with peace.

Over from Whispering Pines. I'll be back.

Julie - My Primitive Heart said...

Dear Robin,
Such beautiful thoughts and images!!
PEACE!!! What our hearts and souls crave!!
Heart Hugs, dear friend!!
Julie xo

David M. Gascoigne, said...

It is a beautiful poem, well known and oft repeated, but it never loses its universal appeal and its enduring truth.