“I Go Among Trees” by Wendell Berry
I go among trees and sit still.
All my stirring becomes quiet
around me like circles on water.
My tasks lie in their places
where I left them, asleep like cattle.Then what is afraid of me comes
and lives a while in my sight.
What it fears in me leaves me,
and the fear of me leaves it.
It sings, and I hear its song.Then what I am afraid of comes.
I live for a while in its sight.
What I fear in it leaves it,
and the fear of it leaves me.
It sings, and I hear its song.After days of labor,
mute in my consternations,
I hear my song at last,
and I sing it. As we sing,
the day turns, the trees move.– Wendell Berry
Questions for reflection from Laura:
- How does the the thought of the things we’re afraid of keep us from enjoying moments of true quiet and soft singing?
- What is keeping you from more moments like this as a writer—times among trees, quiet solitudes, and opportunities to connect again with what’s important?
- How can you stay long enough in this tranquil space to make a quiet, strong oasis in the midst of your very real, busy life? Think practically, in small steps, and give yourself one clear action step.
- What new song are you hoping will come from your own stillness? How can you move slowly, surely towards that?