What We Need Is Here Poem by Wendell Berry

What We Need Is Here

Rating: 4.6


Geese appear high over us,
pass, and the sky closes. Abandon,
as in love or sleep, holds
them to their way, clear
in the ancient faith: what we need
is here. And we pray, not
for new earth or heaven, but to be
quiet in heart, and in eye,
clear. What we need is here.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Cynthia Buhain-baello 13 May 2015

This is an excellent piece of writing on what matters most in life, and you wrote it so beautifully. I like the way you use enjambment in your lines, it adds to the impact.

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Helen Hassler 03 December 2017

The pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Middletown, Ohio, used this poem as the subject of her sermon today. She sang the poem at the beginning of the sermon and ended with it also. You may hear the sermon on the church's web site at zionluthchurch.com

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kristine wood 11 November 2020

So lyrical and simple in truth. I love geese!

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Chinedu Dike 30 August 2019

Well articulated and nicely brought forth with clarity of thought and mind............................................

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Ruta Mohapatra 24 September 2018

Such wise philosophy!

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James Jonathan 17 March 2018

This isn't the full poem. This is the last part of Berry's poem The Wild Geese.

5 1 Reply
Lyn Ace 17 February 2018

I love this poem on so many levels, it speaks of our connection to the earth and of inter peace and love of family. Thank you Mr. Berry for your lovely and profound work.

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Wendell Berry

Wendell Berry

Henry County, Kentucky
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