'What We Need Is Here' by Wendell Berry
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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.
Editor 1 Interpretation
What We Need Is Here: A Poem That Speaks to Our Time
When one thinks of the great poets of our time, Wendell Berry is a name that cannot be ignored. His poetry is not just a celebration of nature and the rural landscape, but an exploration of the human condition in the face of a changing world. In his poem "What We Need Is Here," Berry encapsulates the essence of his message in a few simple lines. But beneath the surface simplicity lies a depth of meaning that speaks to us in a time of uncertainty and flux.
The Poem's Structure and Themes
"What We Need Is Here" is a short poem of only five stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter. The simplicity of the form is matched by the simplicity of the language, which is plain and unadorned. But within this simplicity lies a power that is at once subtle and profound.
The poem's themes are twofold: the first is the beauty and richness of the natural world, and the second is the human capacity to live in harmony with that world. Berry presents nature not as a mere backdrop to human activity, but as an integral part of our existence. The opening lines of the poem set the tone:
"The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us, Thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell Of the substance of our bodies, making them glide and sing."
Here, Berry establishes the idea that nature is not something outside us, but within us. The sun and the rivers are not mere objects of observation, but living entities that interact with us on a fundamental level. The use of the verbs "thrilling," "tingling," and "vibrating" suggests a sense of excitement and vitality, as if the speaker is experiencing a visceral connection with the natural world.
The second theme of the poem is the idea that we can live in harmony with the natural world if we choose to do so. Berry suggests that we do not need to search for some elusive utopia, but that everything we need is already here, within reach:
"We need to love the earth and sun and animals, We need to love each other, to be tender with each other."
This is a powerful message in a time when the world is facing multiple crises, from climate change to political polarization. Berry is suggesting that the solution to these problems is not to look outward, but inward. By loving and caring for each other and the world around us, we can create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.
The Poem's Significance in Our Time
Although "What We Need Is Here" was written in the 1970s, its message is more relevant than ever in our time. The world is facing unprecedented challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the climate crisis. We are living in a time of profound uncertainty, where the old certainties no longer apply. In such a time, the simple message of Berry's poem is a beacon of hope.
The poem suggests that we do not need to look for some grand solution to the world's problems, but that the solution is within us. By loving and caring for each other and the natural world, we can create a better future. This message is particularly significant in a time when so many people feel powerless and disconnected from the world around them.
The poem's emphasis on the interconnectedness of all things is also significant. In a time when the world seems to be fragmenting, Berry's message is a reminder that we are all connected, and that what we do affects not just ourselves but the world around us. The poem suggests that by recognizing our connection to the natural world, we can create a sense of meaning and purpose in our lives.
Conclusion
"What We Need Is Here" is a poem of timeless significance. Its simple message of love and connection is a reminder that even in times of darkness and uncertainty, there is hope. Berry's poem suggests that the solution to the world's problems is not some grand plan or utopian vision, but something much simpler: love and care for each other and the natural world. In a time when the world seems to be falling apart, Berry's message is a powerful reminder that what we need is already here, within reach.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What We Need Is Here: A Poem of Hope and Connection
Wendell Berry's poem "What We Need Is Here" is a powerful reminder of the importance of connection to the natural world and to each other. In just 12 lines, Berry manages to convey a sense of hope and possibility, while also acknowledging the challenges we face in our modern world. This poem is a call to action, urging us to look beyond our individual concerns and to embrace a more collective vision of the future.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "Geese appear high over us." This opening line immediately sets the scene, placing us in a natural setting and reminding us of the beauty and wonder of the world around us. The image of geese flying overhead is a powerful one, evoking a sense of freedom and possibility. It also suggests a connection between humans and nature, as we share the same sky and the same world.
The next line, "pass, and the sky closes," is a reminder of the fleeting nature of these moments of connection. The geese come and go, and the sky returns to its usual state. But even though these moments are temporary, they are still important. They remind us of the beauty and wonder of the world, and they inspire us to seek out more moments of connection and meaning.
The third line, "Abandon, as in love or sleep, holds them to their way," is a powerful statement about the importance of commitment and dedication. Just as love and sleep require us to let go of our worries and concerns, so too does a connection to nature require us to abandon our preconceptions and fears. When we are able to do this, we are able to fully embrace the beauty and wonder of the world around us.
The fourth line, "clear in the ancient faith: what we need is here," is the heart of the poem. It is a statement of hope and possibility, reminding us that everything we need is already present in the world around us. We do not need to look elsewhere for meaning or purpose; it is all right here, waiting for us to discover it. This line is a call to action, urging us to look beyond our individual concerns and to embrace a more collective vision of the future.
The fifth line, "Acceptance of what has been given," is a reminder that we cannot control everything in our lives. We must learn to accept what we have been given, and to find meaning and purpose in the world around us. This line is a call to let go of our fears and worries, and to embrace the beauty and wonder of the world.
The sixth line, "the light flows out, touching all it touches," is a beautiful image of the power of connection. When we are able to connect with the world around us, we are able to share our light and our energy with others. This line is a reminder that we are all connected, and that our actions and our energy can have a profound impact on the world around us.
The seventh line, "the face of the deep is radiant and bright," is a powerful image of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. It is a reminder that there is so much more to the world than what we can see on the surface. When we are able to connect with the deeper aspects of the world, we are able to find meaning and purpose in our lives.
The eighth line, "it is easy to forget what we have learned," is a reminder that we must constantly work to maintain our connection to the world around us. It is easy to get caught up in our own concerns and worries, and to forget the beauty and wonder of the world. This line is a call to action, urging us to stay connected and to continue to learn and grow.
The ninth line, "and yet, if the wind bears witness," is a reminder that even when we forget, the world around us is still there, waiting for us to reconnect. The wind is a powerful symbol of change and transformation, and it is a reminder that even when things seem difficult or impossible, there is always the possibility of renewal and growth.
The tenth line, "a moment when the bird sings very close to us," is a reminder of the power of small moments of connection. Even when we are feeling disconnected or lost, a small moment of beauty or wonder can remind us of the beauty and wonder of the world. This line is a call to action, urging us to seek out these moments of connection and to cherish them when they come.
The eleventh line, "what we have been given is taken away from us," is a reminder that nothing in life is permanent. We must learn to appreciate what we have while we have it, and to find meaning and purpose in the world around us. This line is a call to let go of our fears and worries, and to embrace the beauty and wonder of the world.
The final line, "we are left again with what we have started with," is a reminder that everything we need is already present in the world around us. We do not need to look elsewhere for meaning or purpose; it is all right here, waiting for us to discover it. This line is a call to action, urging us to look beyond our individual concerns and to embrace a more collective vision of the future.
In conclusion, Wendell Berry's poem "What We Need Is Here" is a powerful reminder of the importance of connection to the natural world and to each other. It is a call to action, urging us to look beyond our individual concerns and to embrace a more collective vision of the future. This poem is a reminder that everything we need is already present in the world around us, and that we must learn to let go of our fears and worries in order to fully embrace the beauty and wonder of the world.
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