Eulogy for a Poet

“Laugh. Be joyful, though you have considered all the facts”. – Wendell Berry

I mourned his passing in the week we lost the farmer and poet Wendell Berry. Less than two weeks later we would lose Annie Dillard, another master of wordcraft. Years ago, my daughter gave me a copy of Berry’s book, Leavings, a collection of his “sabbath” poems. It was the first of many I would add to our small library over the years. 

Berry was a man whose two occupations kept him grounded; crops grounded to the

earth, and beautiful lines of compassion and stubborn concern grounded to the page. In his 92 years he published dozens of books of poetry, essays and stories. He profiled friends and family and fiercely advocated for the care of Creation.  On the last day of August, a month for growing things, this son of Kentucky finally let himself rest.

With thoughts of sharing his work with those who didn’t know him, I tried to find a poem that would represent his work. It was a fool’s errand.  Choosing one poem to say who this man was would be like finding a single feather from a raptor’s wing, then holding it up to say this is what a bird is. A feather can only be understood when it is seen within the body of others, each made to reach and glide and beat and soar and give lift to the bird. Likewise, Berry’s poems are best appreciated within the canon of his work. 

I reflected on all this sitting at church this past Sunday. I thought of the poet and the feather, both examples of the power of gathering with others. I am grateful to have found this church for our spiritual home. I am enjoying getting to know many of you for the gifts you bring to the church and the example you offer of how to live a good life in such uncertain times.

In the same way a feather can best be understood as one of a collective, members of GPPC also become something more, something special, when we come together. Remembering Wendell Berry by reading one of his poems or marveling at the miracle of flight, we stand on sacred ground in silent awe and in gratitude for the privilege to admire beauty as it flies away from us. Rest in peace, Wendell Berry.

Craig DeBussey