Requiem

Requiem

Wendell Berry

In memory of our dear friend Roger, departed this life nearly one year ago. 

And as always, for you, my beloved dad.

I.

We will see no more 

the mown grass fallen behind him

on the still ridges before night,

or hear him laughing in the crop rows,

or know the order of his delight.

Though the green fields are my delight,

elegy is my fate. I have come to be 

survivor of many and of much

that I love, that I won't live to see

come again into this world.

Things that mattered to me once

won't matter any more,

for I have left the safe shore

where magnificence of art

could suffice my heart.

2.

In the day of his work

when the grace of the world

was upon him, he made his way,

not turning back or looking aside,

light in his stride.

Now may the grace of death

be upon him, his spirit blessed

in deep song of the world

and stars turning, the seasons 

returning, long rest.