Our Real Work
By Wendell Berry

It may be that when we no longer know what to do
we have come to our real work,
and that when we no longer know which way to go
we have come to our real journey.
The mind that is not baffled is not employed.
The impeded stream is the one that sings.

About the Poem

Last night, I asked my friend Casey what his favorite poem is, and he sent me this poem. I was not overly familiar with Wendell Berry, but I thought this poem was just so beautiful. Casey said, “Wendell Berry holds a special place in my heart, because he is an agrarian and his vision of agriculture as taking care of God’s land is beautiful.” The beauty of nature and the belief that God created something as beautiful as the Earth we live on, is truly a wonder in itself.

Berry’s poem “Our Real Work” reflects his deep philosophical and ecological concerns, as well as his belief in the power of humility, intuition, and a deeper connection with life and nature. The poem suggests that uncertainty is not a sign of failure or inadequacy but rather a threshold to deeper meaning and purpose. When we are lost or confused, we may be closer to discovering our true selves and the work we are meant to do. This counters a cultural obsession with certainty, productivity, and control.

Berry contrasts superficial busyness with “our real work” and “our real journey.” These phrases imply a calling beyond societal expectations or material goals. It is only when we lose the sense of direction imposed by external forces that we can connect with something more authentic and profound. The line “The impeded stream is the one that sings” encapsulates the idea that resistance or difficulty can produce beauty, depth, and creativity. Without challenges, life and the mind become stagnant. Struggle is essential to growth, much like obstacles in a stream create its melody. The poem’s emphasis on bafflement and challenge suggests that meaningful engagement requires more than logical thinking. Berry calls for a holistic approach, engaging intuition, creativity, and openness to mystery.

As a farmer and environmentalist, Berry often draws from natural imagery to express his ideas. The stream becomes a metaphor for the human condition, with its impediments giving rise to its “song”—a symbol of life’s beauty and richness born of struggle. “Our Real Work” encourages readers to embrace uncertainty, trust in the process of struggle, and find fulfillment not in achieving clear outcomes but in engaging with life authentically. It suggests that by letting go of the need for control, we can align with a deeper, more intuitive sense of purpose.

About the Poet

Wendell Berry is an acclaimed American poet, essayist, novelist, environmental activist, and farmer. Berry was born on August 5, 1934, in Henry County, Kentucky. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from the University of Kentucky. As a poet, he is celebrated for his eloquent and thoughtful exploration of themes like community, nature, sustainability, and the human connection to the land. He has been a prominent voice in contemporary literature, offering insights into both the beauty and fragility of life, while advocating for ecological responsibility and local living.

After some time teaching and writing in various locations, Berry returned to Kentucky in the mid-1960s, settling on a farm in Port Royal. This return to the land became central to his life and work. Berry is a fierce advocate for sustainable agriculture, criticizing industrial farming practices and highlighting the importance of caring for the earth. His writings celebrate the values of rural living and interconnected, self-sustaining communities. Berry often critiques consumerism, technological dependence, and the alienation of individuals from nature and one another. As a devout Christian, Berry’s work often explores moral and spiritual questions, urging readers to live responsibly and ethically, and as a farmer himself, he writes with intimate knowledge of the joys and challenges of working with the earth.

Wendell Berry remains a significant and influential figure in literature and environmental thought. His work speaks to the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world, offering a powerful critique of industrialized modern life while providing a vision of harmony, responsibility, and hope.

The Old Year
By John Clare

The Old Year’s gone away
To nothingness and night:
We cannot find him all the day
Nor hear him in the night:
He left no footstep, mark or place
In either shade or sun:
The last year he’d a neighbour’s face,
In this he’s known by none.

All nothing everywhere:
Mists we on mornings see
Have more of substance when they’re here
And more of form than he.
He was a friend by every fire,
In every cot and hall—
A guest to every heart’s desire,
And now he’s nought at all.

Old papers thrown away,
Old garments cast aside,
The talk of yesterday,
Are things identified;
But time once torn away
No voices can recall:
The eve of New Year’s Day
Left the Old Year lost to all.

About the Poem

John Clare’s poem “The Old Year” reflects on the passage of time, focusing on the transition from one year to the next. The poem is deeply rooted in Clare’s characteristic sensitivity to nature, change, and human experience. The poem treats the “old year” as a living entity, personifying it as something that has completed its journey and now fades into the past. Clare mourns the passing of the old year, imbuing it with a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. The tone suggests a recognition of time’s relentless progression, an idea that resonates universally.

Clare often uses imagery from the natural world to express emotions, and this poem is no exception. The changing of the year is depicted through seasonal transitions, emphasizing the cycles of nature as a parallel to human life and time. For example, the closing of the year might evoke images of winter or decay, symbolizing an end but also hinting at renewal.

The poem captures the duality of endings and beginnings. While the old year is mourned, there is an implicit acknowledgment that a new year is dawning, bringing fresh opportunities and challenges. Clare’s reflection on the passing year invites readers to consider their own experiences, losses, and hopes for the future. The poem is wistful and contemplative, blending sadness for what is gone with a quiet acceptance of change. This emotional depth makes the poem relatable, as it mirrors the universal human tendency to reflect on time, achievements, and missed opportunities.

Clare’s “The Old Year” serves as a meditation on impermanence, inviting readers to pause and consider the flow of life and the inevitable passage of time. It is both personal and universal, making it a poignant reflection on the human condition.

About the Poet

John Clare (1793–1864) was an English poet known for his vivid depictions of rural life and nature, as well as his poignant explorations of human emotion and identity. Sometimes called the “peasant poet,” Clare’s work is remarkable for its deep empathy for the natural world and its ability to capture the details of everyday life with precision and beauty. Despite his humble background and later struggles with mental health, Clare’s poetry continues to be celebrated for its authenticity, lyricism, and insight.

Clare was born in Helpston, Northamptonshire, to a poor agricultural family. He had minimal formal education and worked as a farm laborer from a young age, which deeply influenced his poetry. His love of nature began in childhood, where he spent time exploring the countryside around his home. Clare’s first collection of poetry, Poems Descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery (1820), brought him initial fame and recognition. His ability to capture the details of rural life resonated with readers and critics, earning him the nickname “Northamptonshire Peasant Poet.” Subsequent collections, such as The Village Minstrel (1821), continued to showcase his deep connection to nature and his gift for descriptive writing.

Clare wrote extensively about the English countryside, celebrating its beauty while lamenting its destruction due to industrialization and enclosure laws. He depicted the daily lives of villagers and farmers with both realism and affection. Later in life, Clare’s poetry often explored themes of alienation, identity, and loss, reflecting his personal struggles.

Clare experienced mental health challenges later in life, exacerbated by financial difficulties and a sense of disconnection from the changing world around him. He spent his final years in an asylum, where he continued to write poetry, including some of his most haunting and introspective work. Poems like “I Am” reflect his feelings of isolation and yearning for peace.

Clare was largely forgotten after his death in 1864 but was rediscovered in the 20th century as a major Romantic poet. Today, he is celebrated for his unique voice, keen observational skills, and the authenticity of his work. His poems remain a vital part of English literature, offering a timeless appreciation for the natural world and the complexities of the human spirit. John Clare’s life and work stand as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the beauty of the world and the struggles of the human heart.

Christmas Light
By May Sarton

When everyone had gone
I sat in the library
With the small silent tree,
She and I alone.
How softly she shone!

And for the first time then
For the first time this year,
I felt reborn again,
I knew love’s presence near.

Love distant, love detached
And strangely without weight,
Was with me in the night
When everyone had gone
And the garland of pure light
Stayed on, stayed on.

About the Poem

May Sarton’s poem “Christmas Light” reflects on the quiet, introspective beauty of Christmas, focusing on themes of renewal, solitude, and connection. The poem captures a serene, contemplative moment during the Christmas season. Sarton emphasizes stillness and light, creating an atmosphere of peace and introspection. The “light” in the title symbolizes hope, warmth, and spiritual illumination, often tied to the Christmas season.

Sarton often wrote about the complexities of solitude, and this poem is no exception. She portrays solitude not as loneliness but as a space for reflection, renewal, and connection with the divine or the self. Christmas, typically a time of communal celebration, is reimagined here as an opportunity for personal insight and inner peace. The poem explores the idea of Christmas as a moment to pause and take stock of life. The light symbolizes a guiding force or clarity that emerges in this reflective time, offering a sense of renewal and hope for the future.

While the poem emphasizes solitude, it also subtly evokes the interconnectedness of human experience. The light of Christmas is a universal symbol that transcends individual experience, linking the solitary reflection to a shared sense of wonder and meaning. Sarton’s “Christmas Light” ultimately invites readers to find meaning in simplicity and stillness, encouraging them to embrace the quiet moments of the season as opportunities for growth and understanding. It’s a gentle reminder of the spiritual and emotional renewal that Christmas offers.

About the Poet

May Sarton (1912–1995) was an acclaimed American poet, novelist, and memoirist known for her deeply introspective and lyrical works. Sarton was born in Wondelgem, Belgium, but her family fled to the United States during World War I. Her father, George Sarton, was a pioneering historian of science, and her mother, Mabel Elwes Sarton, was an artist.

Sarton began as a poet, publishing her first collection, Encounter in April, in 1937. Over her lifetime, she published over 50 works, including poetry collections, novels, and memoirs. Much of Sarton’s writing celebrates the creative and restorative aspects of solitude, though she also explores its challenges, particularly in later years.

Her works reflect her identity as a lesbian and explore the complexities of romantic and platonic relationships. Sarton was deeply attuned to nature, which often served as inspiration for her poetry and prose. Her later works, particularly her memoirs, provide an unflinching exploration of aging, illness, and mortality.

Sarton was open about her identity as a lesbian at a time when it was not widely accepted. She never settled into a long-term partnership but had meaningful relationships that influenced her work. She spent much of her later life in York, Maine, living alone and finding inspiration in her surroundings. 

May Sarton is remembered for her emotional honesty, lyrical style, and ability to capture the nuances of inner life. Her works continue to resonate with readers who seek insight into creativity, self-discovery, and the beauty of ordinary life.

Mistletoe
By Walter de la Mare

Sitting under the mistletoe
(Pale-green, fairy mistletoe),
One last candle burning low,
All the sleepy dancers gone,
Just one candle burning on,
Shadows lurking everywhere:

Some one came, and kissed me there.
Tired I was; my head would go
Nodding under the mistletoe
(Pale-green, fairy mistletoe),
No footsteps came, no voice, but only,
Just as I sat there, sleepy, lonely,
Stooped in the still and shadowy air
Lips unseen—and kissed me there.

About This Poem

Walter de la Mare’s poem “Mistletoe” is a beautifully atmospheric work that combines themes of nature, mystery, and enchantment. “Mistletoe” evokes a sense of quiet wonder as it explores the magical, dreamlike quality of a wintry night. The poem intertwines elements of the natural world, the spiritual, and the fantastical. The central theme revolves around transformation and the mystical interplay between the visible and invisible worlds.

De la Mare excels in creating vivid and haunting imagery. The titular mistletoe, often associated with folklore, magic, and romance, becomes a symbol of mystery and enchantment. The poem’s setting—likely a winter night—heightens its mystical atmosphere. De la Mare uses sensory details to envelop the reader in a dreamlike world, where reality and imagination blur. For example, the quietness and coldness of the environment emphasize solitude and stillness, drawing the reader into a reflective, almost meditative state.

While the poem seems simple on the surface, it carries a profound exploration of the human response to nature’s beauty and the unknown. The mistletoe, often suspended in air and shadow, can be seen as a metaphor for fleeting moments of magic or insight that hover just beyond our grasp. In essence, Mistletoe invites readers to reflect on the wonder of life and the thin veil between the mundane and the magical, suggesting that there’s always more to the world than what meets the eye.

About the Poet

Walter de la Mare (1873–1956) was a renowned English poet, short story writer, and novelist, best known for his imaginative and often haunting works that explore themes of childhood, dreams, mystery, and the supernatural. His lyrical style and evocative imagery have made him one of the most distinctive voices in 20th-century English literature.

He was born on April 25, 1873, in Charlton, Kent, England. He was the son of a civil servant and spent his early years surrounded by books, fostering a love for literature and storytelling. Before becoming a full-time writer, de la Mare worked as a clerk at the Anglo-American Oil Company, a job he held for nearly two decades. During this time, he wrote prolifically, often under the pseudonym “Walter Ramal.”

His first major collection, Songs of Childhood (1902), brought him recognition, but he gained wider fame with The Listeners (1912), which contains his iconic poem of the same name. De la Mare’s literary career spanned over five decades, during which he wrote numerous poems, novels, short stories, and children’s books. He was awarded the Order of Merit in 1953 and passed away on June 22, 1956, at the age of 83.

De la Mare often explored the imaginative and perceptive world of children, celebrating their sense of wonder and connection to the mysterious. Many of his works are infused with an eerie, dreamlike quality, blending the real and the fantastical. His poems frequently celebrate the beauty and mystery of the natural world, often imbuing it with spiritual or mystical significance. Known for his musicality, de la Mare’s work is characterized by its rhythm, alliteration, and vivid imagery.

Walter de la Mare’s works continue to be appreciated for their ability to capture the magic and mystery of human experience. His poetry and stories often transcend age, appealing to both adults and children alike. His unique voice, blending simplicity with profound insight, secures his place as one of the most enduring writers in English literature.

At the Mid Hour of Night
By Thomas Moore

At the mid hour of night, when stars are weeping, I fly
To the lone vale we loved, when life shone warm in thine eye;
And I think oft, if spirits can steal from the regions of air,
To revisit past scenes of delight, thou wilt come to me there,
And tell me our love is remembered, even in the sky.

Then I sing the wild song ’twas once such pleasure to hear!
When our voices commingling breathed, like one, on the ear;
And, as Echo far off through the vale my sad orison rolls,
I think, oh my love! ’tis thy voice from the Kingdom of Souls,
Faintly answering still the notes that once were so dear.

About this Poem

Thomas Moore’s poem “At the Mid Hour of Night” is a lyrical expression of love, longing, and memory. The poem captures a moment of deep nostalgia, where the speaker reflects on a lost love, filling the quiet night with a bittersweet yearning. The “mid hour of night” symbolizes a quiet, solitary time when one is most likely to be lost in thought. It represents a reflective moment when memories resurface.

The speaker reminisces about a past love, feeling the ghostly presence of their lover in the silence of the night. The imagery Moore uses evokes a dream-like, almost haunting quality, as if the speaker is visited by memories that cannot be fully grasped or held onto. His speaker’s longing reflects a deep emotional attachment to someone who is absent, suggesting either physical separation or the finality of death. The lines speak to the way love lingers in memory, refusing to fade even when the person is no longer present. Moore’s choice of words, like “phantoms” and the suggestion of a ghostly presence, gives the poem an ethereal quality, hinting that the lover’s memory might be more than just a thought—it’s almost as if the lover is truly there in spirit.

The line “The light of other days” suggests that past memories shine brightly in the speaker’s mind, illuminating the present with a light that is no longer physically there. This metaphor captures the power of memory to bring joy and sorrow, showing how love remains a part of one’s life even when it’s no longer tangible.

Ultimately, “At the Mid Hour of Night” explores the power of love to transcend time and space. The speaker’s love lives on in memories, as vivid and haunting as if it were a spectral presence. Moore’s poem speaks to the universal experience of missing someone and feeling their absence keenly, especially in quiet, reflective moments. The poem thus touches on the immortality of love, held within the mind and heart, and how deeply it intertwines with memory and longing.

About the Poet

Thomas Moore (1779–1852) was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter, and entertainer, renowned for his romantic poetry and Irish patriotic songs. Born in Dublin, Moore attended Trinity College and later moved to London, where he became well-known in literary circles. His works often celebrated Irish culture and history, most famously in Irish Melodies (1808–1834), a collection of lyrics set to traditional Irish tunes. His poems, like “The Last Rose of Summer” and “Oft, in the Stilly Night,” became widely popular for their lyrical beauty and emotional depth. Moore was also politically active, advocating for Irish nationalism and independence, which reflected in his writings. He is remembered as Ireland’s national bard, combining literary skill with a deep love for his homeland. Moore died in Wiltshire, England, on February 25, 1852. 

United
By Naomi Shihab Nye

When sleepless, it’s helpful to meditate on mottoes of the states.
South Carolina, “While I breathe I hope.” Perhaps this could be
the new flag on the empty flagpole.
Or “I Direct” from Maine—why?
Because Maine gets the first sunrise? How bossy, Maine!
Kansas, “To the Stars through Difficulties”—
clackety wagon wheels, long, long land
and the droning press of heat—cool stars, relief.
In Arkansas, “The People Rule”—lucky you.
Idaho, “Let It Be Perpetual”—now this is strange.
Idaho, what is your “it”?
Who chose these lines?
How many contenders?
What would my motto be tonight, in tangled sheets?
Texas—“Friendship”—now boasts the Open Carry law.
Wisconsin, where my mother’s parents are buried,
chose “Forward.”
New Mexico, “It Grows As It Goes”—now this is scary.
Two dangling its. This does not represent that glorious place.
West Virginia, “Mountaineers Are Always Free”—really?
Washington, you’re wise.
What could be better than “By and By”?
Oklahoma must be tired—“Labor Conquers all Things.”
Oklahoma, get together with Nevada, who chose only
“Industry” as motto. I think of Nevada as a playground
or mostly empty. How wrong we are about one another.
For Alaska to pick “North to the Future”
seems odd. Where else are they going?

About the Poem

“United” by Naomi Shihab Nye is a poignant poem that explores themes of connection, identity, and the shared experiences of humanity. The poem emphasizes the interconnectedness of people across different cultures and backgrounds in the United States. Nye often highlights how shared experiences can bridge divides, fostering a sense of community. Nye reflects on her own cultural background and how it shapes her identity. The poem suggests that our individual stories contribute to a larger narrative of humanity. The poem encourages readers to cultivate empathy for others, suggesting that understanding and compassion can lead to a more united world. I thought this poem was particularly significant for this Election Day because it’s the message I would hope people would think of when they go and vote today.

Nye’s style is characterized by its simplicity and clarity, making complex emotions accessible. The poem may utilize vivid imagery and concrete details to evoke feelings and create a sense of place. The tone is reflective and hopeful, inviting readers to consider their own connections to others. Nye’s voice often conveys warmth and sincerity, reinforcing the poem’s message of unity. Nye uses rich imagery to draw readers into her experiences, making abstract concepts of connection and identity tangible. This imagery serves to create emotional resonance, allowing readers to visualize and feel the connections being described.

“United” serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing our shared humanity. Through her eloquent language and thoughtful exploration of identity and connection, Nye invites readers to reflect on their own relationships and the ways in which we can come together, despite differences.

Alabama’s State Motto

Alabama did not have a state motto until 1868 as the original seal of Alabama did not contain a state motto but features a map affixed to a living tree showing one of the state’s most valuable resources—its major rivers. The first motto “Here We Rest” was adopted by the Reconstruction Era state legislature on December 29, 1868, for use on the state’s first coat of arms and second seal of Alabama. It depicted a bald eagle atop an American shield, holding a banner inscribed with the motto “Here We Rest” in its beak. This phrase was meant to convey a sense of hospitality and refuge, suggesting that Alabama was a welcoming place where travelers could rest. However, in 1939, at the request of Governor Frank M. Dixon, the original concept of a map design was returned to use, and the current official state motto changed to “Audemus jura nostra defendere,” which translates to “We Dare Defend Our Rights.” This reflects a strong emphasis on pride, self-determination, and resilience, and it became the formal motto to better represent Alabama’s values and spirit. Too bad, Alabama changed their motto and “Here We Rest” was still the values and spirit of Alabama. However, to be truthful, “We Dare Defend Our Rights” does reflect the current attitude of Alabama, because if you are different than the white Republican majority in the state, then you will not rest there.

Vermont’s State Motto

“Freedom and Unity” is the official motto of the U.S. state of Vermont. The motto was first adopted in 1788 for use on the Great Seal of the Vermont Republic. Following Vermont’s admission to the United States in 1791, the legislature once more approved the use of the motto for the new state seal. Vermont’s first governor, Thomas Chittenden, cited the state motto in his epitaph: “Out of storm and manifold perils rose an enduring state, the home of freedom and unity.” There is general agreement that Vermont’s motto is about the idea of balancing two seemingly opposite ideals: the personal freedom and independence of the individual citizen, with the common good of the larger community. By Vermont statute the motto Freedom and Unity is applied to the Great Seal, coat of arms, and flag of Vermont.

About the Poet

Naomi Shihab Nye is an acclaimed American poet, novelist, and anthologist, known for her powerful explorations of identity, culture, and the human experience. Born on March 12, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri, she is the daughter of a Palestinian father and an American mother, which deeply influences her work and perspective. Nye spent her childhood in both the United States and Jerusalem, giving her a unique cross-cultural viewpoint. This diverse background informs much of her poetry, as she navigates themes of belonging, displacement, and connection. She studied at the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her degree in English and began to develop her writing career.

Nye’s poetry often reflects her experiences and observations about the world, addressing issues such as war, peace, and cultural identity. She has published numerous collections of poetry, including “Different Ways to Pray,” “Words Under the Words,” and “The Tiny Journalist,” each showcasing her ability to capture the nuances of life with compassion and insight. In addition to poetry, Nye has written novels for young adults and essays, and she is a sought-after speaker and educator, conducting workshops and readings across the country. Her work often emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in a divided world. Throughout her career, Nye has received various awards, including the Arab American National Museum’s Literature Award and the Isabella Gardner Poetry Award. She is also a two-time finalist for the National Book Award.

Nye currently resides in San Antonio, Texas, where she continues to write and teach. Her work resonates with readers of all ages, and she is celebrated for her ability to articulate the complexities of human emotions and experiences. Naomi Shihab Nye is regarded as a significant voice in contemporary poetry, championing themes of peace, diversity, and the power of language. Her writing not only connects with individual experiences but also invites broader reflections on the shared human condition.