On Monday evening I was saddened to learn that one of my most important teachers, mentors, and friends, Wendell Berry, died at home with his family at the age of 92.
Even after a long and extraordinarily well-lived life, death is still a sorrow.
I wanted to share a poem I wrote about him a few years ago. You’ll find it below, or can listen to it here:
Rest in peace, dear Wendell.
MR. BERRY
A letter comes from Wendell
the old hero the old saint
who taught me far more
than I’d known I didn’t know
and you would think I would celebrate
this gift of generosity
you’d think I wouldn’t hesitate or be
nervous to open it
but I do and I am
and I wait the whole day
to follow the long lines
no less careful for their speed
where I read what I long
always to read
a voice speaking simply
of what matters beyond words
a man who means
each syllable he says
a person a poet
a farmer a friend
a gentleman of letters
who still writes his letters
disclosing his heart
with his hand
From The Safety of Edges.
May we all be blessed with teachers, mentors, and friends who help us be more fully and more joyfully ourselves.
With sadness and gratitude,
Thomas
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