Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Praise" by Wendell Berry is a poignant tribute to a cherished individual whose life and legacy continue to influence the speaker even after death. Through evocative imagery and deep reverence, Berry explores themes of memory, influence, and the enduring power of personal legacy within the natural landscape of existence. The poem reflects on how the essence of a person can become intertwined with the physical and spiritual fabric of a place, offering guidance, comfort, and inspiration to those who remain.

Berry begins by likening the memories of the deceased to "fingers locked in the rock ledges like roots," a powerful image that conveys the depth and permanence of his impact on the environment and the community. This metaphor suggests that the individual's presence has become an integral part of the landscape, rooted as firmly and indelibly as the natural elements themselves. The comparison to roots emphasizes the organic, life-sustaining connection between the person's legacy and the land, highlighting the natural cycle of life, death, and memory.

Upon the individual's death, when his "influence entered the air," Berry expresses a desire for his own mind to become a vessel for the deceased's thoughts and for his kindness to lead the way in his own life. This request signifies a deep admiration for the deceased's character and wisdom, wishing for these qualities to continue guiding and shaping the community's actions and attitudes. It is a plea for continuity, for the positive attributes of the departed to permeate the lives of those he touched.

Despite acknowledging the inescapable "history barbed in my flesh," which may refer to personal and collective struggles or pain, Berry finds solace and direction in "certain wise movements of his hands, the turns of his speech." These remembrances serve as a compass, offering moral and ethical guidance derived from the deceased's example. The tactile and auditory imagery here reinforces the poem's theme of presence through absence, illustrating how the physical absence of a loved one can be counterbalanced by the vivid, living memory of their actions and words.

The poem concludes with Berry holding onto the deceased's "hope of peace" even in "harsh days," underscoring the resilience and optimism that the individual's spirit continues to inspire. The reference to "the shell of his breath dimming away three summers in the earth" evokes the passage of time since the individual's passing, yet also affirms the ongoing influence of his essence, which, like decomposing organic matter, nourishes the soil and fosters new growth.

"Praise" is a testament to the profound and lasting impact that one person's life can have on others and the environment. Wendell Berry masterfully captures the essence of remembrance and the continuity of life, weaving a narrative that celebrates the transformative power of love, wisdom, and kindness. Through this tribute, Berry invites readers to reflect on the legacies they inherit and the ones they will leave behind, emphasizing the importance of living a life that contributes positively to the world and endures in the hearts and minds of future generations.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Selected_Poems_of_Wendell_Berry/mj3WyIhXqcMC?q=&gbpv=1&bsq=MAD%20FARMER#f=false

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