Wendell Berry, a truly wise man, died at age 92 on August 31. Let’s let him speak for himself on the topic of death right off. The following 4 part poem is from his book The Country of Marriage: Testament 1. Dear relatives and friends, when my last breath Grows large and free in air, don’t call it death — A word to enrich the undertaker and inspire His surly art of imitating life; conspire Against him. Say that my body cannot now Be improved upon; it has no fault to show To t

This letter is one of a monthly series available to Poetry of Nature subscribers.

This letter is one of a monthly series available to Poetry of Nature subscribers.

This letter is one of a monthly series available to Poetry of Nature subscribers.

This letter is one of a monthly series available to Poetry of Nature subscribers.

If a line or phrase resonates with you, we invite you to use it as a starting point to create your own poem. We welcome you to share your...

This letter is one of a monthly series available to Poetry of Nature subscribers. For full access to the Poetry of Nature letters...

This letter is one of a monthly series available to Poetry of Nature subscribers.

This letter is one of a monthly series available to Poetry of Nature subscribers.

This letter is one of a monthly series available to Poetry of Nature subscribers. For full access to the Poetry of Nature letters...

This letter is one of a monthly series available to Poetry of Nature subscribers.

This letter is one of a monthly series available to Poetry of Nature subscribers. For full access to the Poetry of Nature letters...