art, Christian music, Fauvism, French art, Louis Valtat, Music, Poetry, Southern Raised, Wendell Berry

Wendell Berry: The Peace of Wild Things

Posted by At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet on
Louis Valtat (French, 1869-1952), Femme assise au bord de la mer, avec le cachet ‘L.V’ (en bas à droite; Lugt 1771bis), huile sur toile, 64.6 x 80.4 cm., Peint en 1902, Image Source: Christie’s

The Peace of Wild Things

by Wendell Berry

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

Hat Tip

Many thanks to Sister Renee at Lavish Mercy for introducing me to this poem in the post Nothing Can Harm You.

Read More

Louis Valtat at wikiwand

See More

Louis Valtat At Sunnyside

Louis Valtat at Artnet

Louis Valtat at Sotheby’s

Louis Valtat at Christie’s

Happy Sunday ✝️

~Sunnyside

15 Comments Add yours

  1. shoreacres's avatar shoreacres says:
    September 29, 2024 at 7:04 am

    That poem was my introduction to Wendell Berry some years ago. It’s a favorite.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet's avatar At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet says:
      September 29, 2024 at 4:13 pm

      I regret not reading more from him in the past, but I am grateful to have an opportunity now. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Linda. 🌻

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. spirituality159's avatar spirituality159 says:
    September 29, 2024 at 8:05 am

    Great selection today with everything connected. Wendell Berry never disappoints. Fun old-time song. Beautiful river painting. All sweetly peaceful.

    LaMon

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet's avatar At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet says:
      September 29, 2024 at 4:11 pm

      Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts, LaMon. I think we could all use a little peace these days. 🌻

      Like

      Reply
  3. Sheila Landry Designs's avatar Sheila Landry Designs says:
    September 29, 2024 at 10:24 am

    Very pretty! Happy Sunday. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet's avatar At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet says:
      September 29, 2024 at 4:07 pm

      Happy Sunday, Sheila! I hope you have a wonderful week ahead. 🌻

      Like

      Reply
  4. Deborah J. Brasket's avatar deborahbrasket says:
    September 29, 2024 at 10:52 am

    I’ve always loved that poem. And it’s so beautifully paired with the painting and song. Thank you for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet's avatar At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet says:
      September 29, 2024 at 4:06 pm

      My pleasure, always, Deborah. I appreciate your visit. 🌻

      Like

      Reply
  5. Ana Daksina's avatar Ana Daksina says:
    September 29, 2024 at 5:25 pm

    Oh, my goodness. THAT’S poetry!

    … And that’s real fine art, too ~ even in miniature, just looking at that painting acted on me like instant-action Valium…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet's avatar At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet says:
      September 29, 2024 at 5:34 pm

      Your response is priceless, Ana. You have made my day. 😘🥰❤️

      Like

      Reply
  6. Robin Ward's avatar Robin Ward says:
    October 2, 2024 at 7:04 am

    I love Wendell Berry’s work! Thanks for the reminder.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet's avatar At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet says:
      October 3, 2024 at 4:25 pm

      My pleasure, always, Robin. He is extraordinary.🌻

      Like

      Reply
  7. koolkosherkitchen's avatar koolkosherkitchen says:
    October 6, 2024 at 11:12 pm

    Delightful.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet's avatar At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet says:
      October 9, 2024 at 7:11 pm

      I am happy you enjoy this, Dolly. 😎🌻🙏

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. koolkosherkitchen's avatar koolkosherkitchen says:
        October 10, 2024 at 11:26 pm

        I certainly did, dear friend. 😻

        Liked by 1 person

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