In Praise of Wendell Berry

I love the simple depth of Wendell Berry's writing. His essays are an education in humane writing and words woven into patterns of reasoned argument, passionate persuasion and intellectually powered ethics. His poetry is earthed in the earth – which isn't the tautology it seems, because he is a man of the soil who understands the rhythms of growth and life, fruitfulness and dying. The combination of patient observation and words shaped to what is seen and felt give his best poems that subtle urgency that compels recognition that life is blessing, and to be cherished as such. I share his passion for trees.

Woods

I part the out thrusting branches

and come in beneath

the blessed and the blessing trees.

Though I am silent

there is singing around me.

Though I am dark

there is vision around me

Though I am heavy

there is flight around me.