Agricultural Inspiration

As the temperatures finally sink below freezing and the winter wind picks up, I find myself seeking inspiration and comfort to wait out the next few months until seeds can be started and the Earth worked again.

To help ease the ache of winter, I'll be periodically posting poems, prose and other writings from various authors (including myself, when the Spirit moves me!).  I'll start with a few postings from Wendell Berry's book, "Farming: A Handbook," a collection of poems written by the eloquent Kentucky farmer.

Let's begin with some funny and insightful pieces. For the next few weeks, I'll post a collection each week from the Prayers and Sayings of the Mad Farmer. Enjoy!

                  I

It is presumptuous and irresponsible to pray for other people. A good man would pray only for himself - that he have as much good as he deserves, that he not receive more good or more evil than he deserves, that he both nobody, that he not be bothered, that he want less. Praying thus for himself, he should prepare to live with the consequences.

                  II

At night make me one with the darkness.

In the morning make me one with the light.

                  III

If a man finds it necessary to eat garbage, he should resist the temptation to call it a delicacy. 

                  IV

Don't pray for the rain to stop.
Pray for good luck fishing
when the river floods.

                  V

Don't own so much clutter that you will be relieved to see your house catch fire.