Instead of cartoons today, I am posting a poem by Wendell Berry that has always been a go-to prayer during times of turmoil and anxiety.
When the 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 with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
Post image (at top) captured on October 7 at 7:19 a.m.
6 responses to “Peace of Wild Things”
I haven’t been able to concentrate on much of anything this week. All of my loved ones in Florida survived the hurricanes, though the first floor of the house of one was completely flooded. I can’t imagine the cost, mess and disruption.
Also weighing on me is the hurricane that is the Republican candidate for President of the United States and his vicious lies about the government’s response to these disasters. Last night, at a Harris campaign rally, former President Obama said:
“The idea of intentionally trying to deceive people in their most desperate and vulnerable moments . . . my question is: When did that become OK?”
That’s my question, too. When did this all become OK? Will enough voters hold him accountable on November 5? How in the hell is this race so close?
Thank you for this post with its gorgeous images and Wendell Barry’s wise words. A have taken his advice and have retreated to my heart’s home on a small lake in the deep north woods of Wisconsin. I send you the true peace of the wild things from here.
Oh, Beth! Please send me a photo or two of your heart’s home! That place is very special. Thank you. xoxo
Thanks for your choice of poem–one of my favorites as well. We need a path to inner serenity when the natural world seems so broken–thanks to man-made decisions–and when we the people keep demonstrating that there is no end to our foolishness. Sigh. We need a way to hang in there.
PS good to hear that our beloveds in FL made it through.
“We need a way to hang in there.” Ain’t THAT an understatement, Charlotte! Thanks for appreciating this post. xoxo
I’ve gotten several texts and emails from beloveds about how much they appreciate this post. It does my heart good. Thanks so much for letting me know, everyone!