Poetry can be written only because it has been written

Poetry can be written only because it has been written

Wendell Berry, a renowned American poet, novelist, and environmental activist, is known for his profound reflections on nature, community, and the human experience. In his work, Berry often explores the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations. One of the recurring themes in Berry's poetry is the idea that poetry can only exist because it has already been written.

Berry believes that poetry is a form of communication that transcends time and space, connecting individuals across generations and cultures. He argues that every poem is a response to the poems that have come before it, building upon the ideas and emotions expressed by previous poets. In this sense, poetry is a continuous dialogue that stretches back through history, allowing us to engage with the thoughts and feelings of those who have come before us.

For Berry, the act of writing poetry is a way of honoring and preserving the wisdom of the past while also adding our own unique perspective to the ongoing conversation. He sees poetry as a form of collaboration between the poet and the poets who have inspired them, a way of paying tribute to the voices that have shaped our understanding of the world.