Peace of Wild Things
By Wendell Berry
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the Peace of Wild Things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
Summary of Peace of Wild Things
- Popularity of “Peace of Wild Things”: The poem “Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry first appeared in 2009 and has been included in several anthologies and collections. Its enduring appeal lies in its powerful metaphor that connects the natural world to the human experience, offering a resonant call for ecological awareness and conservation.
- “Peace of Wild Things” as a Representative of Nature and Environment: The poem begins with a confession of despair, a fear for the future of the world and the speaker’s family. This anxiety is contrasted with a deliberate search for solace in the natural world. The speaker finds refuge by observing the wood drake and heron—creatures living effortlessly in their environment. This observation leads to a realization that these wild things live without the burden of anticipating grief. The speaker immerses themselves in the “peace of wild things,” finding tranquility in still water and the presence of stars. This immersion offers respite from worry and a sense of liberation.
- Major Themes in “Peace of Wild Things”: At its heart, the poem explores themes of environmental concern, the restorative power of nature, and the search for inner peace. It suggests that a connection with the natural world can provide a sanctuary from the anxieties of modern life. By observing the simplicity and present‑moment focus of wild creatures, we can learn to release our own burdens of worry and find a deeper sense of belonging within the natural world.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Peace of Wild Things
Literary and poetic devices are the tools writers use to craft meaning, evoke emotion, and create memorable imagery. Analyzing these devices deepens our understanding and appreciation of the poem.
- Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words close to each other. Notice how Berry uses this to create a musical quality. For example, in the line “And I feel above me the day-blind stars,” the repeated short “e” sound in “feel,” “above,” and “me” creates a subtle echo that draws attention to these words.
- Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. While not prominent throughout the entire poem, instances like “waiting with” demonstrate how Berry uses alliteration to create a sonic connection between words, emphasizing their relationship.
- Consonance: Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within words, not necessarily at the beginning. Look at the line, “and I wake in the night at the least sound.” The recurring “t” and “n” sounds create a sense of hushed stillness, mirroring the quiet of the natural world the speaker seeks.
- Enjambment: Enjambment occurs when a sentence or phrase continues from one line of poetry to the next without punctuation. This creates a flowing rhythm and mimics the continuous nature of life and the natural world. Consider these lines:
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.The thought isn’t contained within individual lines, but spills over, mirroring the expansive feeling of liberation the speaker experiences.
- Imagery: Berry masterfully uses imagery to create vivid sensory experiences for the reader. Lines like “and I wake in the night at the least sound” appeal to the sense of hearing, while “rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds” provides a visual image of serene natural life. These images immerse us in the poem’s setting and contribute to its emotional impact.
- Metaphor: The entire poem operates as an extended metaphor. The “peace of wild things” isn’t simply a physical location, but a state of mind – a way of being that offers respite from anxiety and despair. This metaphorical shift allows the natural world to represent a source of healing and inner calm.
- Personification: Berry subtly personifies elements of nature, giving them human-like qualities. The “day-blind stars” are described as “waiting with their light,” suggesting a conscious awareness. This personification fosters a sense of connection between the speaker and the natural world.
- Paradox: The phrase “day-blind stars” presents a paradox – stars are typically associated with darkness, not blindness. This seeming contradiction creates a memorable image and suggests that even in the midst of brightness, there is a sense of mystery and hidden beauty.
- Symbolism: Throughout the poem, various elements carry symbolic weight. The birds, water, and stars all represent aspects of natural beauty, tranquility, and the enduring power of the natural world. The “still water” can symbolize inner peace and reflection.
Additional Poetic Techniques
Beyond the literary devices, certain poetic techniques further enhance the poem’s impact.
- Diction: Berry’s diction is remarkably simple and unadorned. He favors concrete nouns and verbs, avoiding complex or flowery language. This deliberate choice creates a sense of authenticity and allows the poem’s message to resonate with clarity. He shows us the experience, rather than telling us about it.
- Free Verse: “Peace of Wild Things” is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This allows Berry to create a natural, conversational rhythm that mirrors the fluidity of the natural world. The poem’s shape mirrors its content, organic and unrestrained.
- Stanza: The poem consists of a single stanza, eleven lines long. This unified structure reinforces the poem’s central idea – the interconnectedness of all things and the seamlessness of the natural world. The unbroken form mirrors the speaker’s unbroken quest for peace.
Quotes to be Used
These lines from “Peace of Wild Things” are particularly resonant and can be used to spark discussion about the importance of nature conservation and finding peace in the world around us.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
This closing stanza encapsulates the poem’s central message: by immersing ourselves in the natural world, we can find respite from our anxieties and experience a sense of liberation and belonging.