I heard these lines as mis-quoted by Alan Alda’s character in an old ER episode and I had to find their true author. Not a difficult task with Google & all.
Anyway, the point being is that they rang home with me. Especially yesterday.
While I still haven’t run the horses I did take my mare out for a quiet ride in the charred landscape. In spite of the new twisted scenery, it was a beautiful ride. Just me, her and a few wild things we came across. For that hour I knew nothing of my day to day thoughts & concerns. So for a time, I too rest in the grace of the world, and was free.
-j-
The Peace Of Wild Things
When despair grows in me
and I wake in the middle of 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 for their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
~~~~
Wendell Berry