Today’s poem is chosen and introduced by Ms Lorimer.

This poem “How to Be a Poet” is by Wendell Berry, the American novelist and poet. It offers some sage advice on not only the art of writing poetry, but also some wisdom on how to live a little bit more mindfully during these uncertain times. I like the subtitle ‘to remind myself’, as we could all do with a little reminder now and then to sit still, take a breath and enjoy a moment’s silence. In particular, the line ‘patience joins time to eternity’ really resonated with me as it feels like we are hovering in a space between time and eternity now – trying to be patient yet unsure of the finish line. Personally, I’ve found that quarantine has taught me patience and mindfulness in spades, and I’m finally learning how to take ‘each day as it comes’. It seems that’s all we really can do! From living a three-dimensional life to limiting our screen time, I hope everyone can find a little bit of wisdom in it too.

How to Be a Poet

BY WENDELL BERRY

(to remind myself)

i

Make a place to sit down.

Sit down. Be quiet.

You must depend upon

affection, reading, knowledge,

skill—more of each

than you have—inspiration,

work, growing older, patience,

for patience joins time

to eternity. Any readers

who like your poems,

doubt their judgment.

ii

Breathe with unconditional breath

the unconditioned air.

Shun electric wire.

Communicate slowly. Live

a three-dimensioned life;

stay away from screens.

Stay away from anything

that obscures the place it is in.

There are no unsacred places;

there are only sacred places

and desecrated places.

iii

Accept what comes from silence.

Make the best you can of it.

Of the little words that come

out of the silence, like prayers

prayed back to the one who prays,

make a poem that does not disturb

the silence from which it came.