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Wendell Berry: The Peace of Wild Things

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“The Peace of Wild Things” is a beautifully animated film of a poem written and read by Wendell Berry as part of the “Poetry Films” series of the On Being Project, which features animated interpretations of beloved poems. This poem is a warm invitation to return to our early memories of peace and joy, perhaps lying in the grass on a sunny hill, listening to bird and insect sounds, when suddenly, for a moment, "we are free!" Wendell Berry died on August 31, 2026 at age 92.

Be The Change

Explore a host of gems among the full series of On Being's Poetry Films.

At this moment when so much of nature is threatened, what can we do to help save that which is wild and free? Here are three ways to save our planet.

Writing a poem yourself is a wonderful way to explore the heart's desires, and a poem about any aspect of nature, or even the Wild Things, can bring you to that same inner freedom Berry speaks about. Try it today.

Reflections (17)

Maggie

Driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, I was in awe of the absence of any man-made noise. No planes, no trucks, honking horns. My husband and I got out of the car and all we could hear was the wind through the trees and bird chatter. It was bliss. I just wanted to sit on the grass and just be immersed in nature.

Kathleen Davis

This is one of my favorite poems. It reminds me to have no worries. We are taken care of .....we are part of the wild things and they part of us.

Del

The Peace it inspires so simply and beautifully.

jon

One more note to borrow a phrase THE WORLD IS BOTTOMED OUT, look at all the self help books spiritual books on and on, nougthing leads to change. We teach and follow the same theories over and over and expect to find new results by doing what others have done have gotten nowhere.This is the sign of a mad man , have we all gone mad.The only answer lies within, and will be found only by laying down with nature

Jon Williams

This falls into my lap at a time where I am about to explore the gardens of Florida. I realize that I and most of mankind have forgotten nature. Merlin was a man of the forest so many tales about him gloss over that fact, Merlin was always a man of the woods, one with nature before any then else. Please note that Fairy gardens are not simply child play, but a place were adults can enjoy and block out the world and return to our forgotten self.

Sahara

Aweee...Thee Wendell Berry!! This name speaks everything.

Carolyn Devol

Actually, I like anything written by Wendell Berry...poems, yes, but definitely his fiction and his essays. In my opinion, he is a national treasure.

Bec

What a timely and beautiful reminder ... I am ever-inspired by nature, the only constant in this chaotic world despite its everchanging existence, slow down and free yourself from your mind :)

Kathryn Seidler

It has been one of my favorite poems from the first time I read it. I enjoyed hearing Wendell Berryâ€™s voice reading it. Thank you.

Colombe Smith

I am dying of delusions and beastility I don't get inspired. I have had it with nature and journaling and self expression and people and food. I want n.v yo.kill myself and and everybody is too wimpy to help and the doctors won't euthanize yet Colombe Smith. Williamstown Massachusetts

Patrick Watters

Man/Womanâ€™s heart away from nature becomes hardened. ~Luther Standing Bear~

Christine Perica

Wendell Berry's voice reading my favorite poem of his! Thanks!

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Wendell Berry: The Peace of Wild Things

Reflections (17)

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