Today the Orthodox church celebrates the Feast of Theophany, also known as Epiphany. It’s a day to remember the baptism of Christ. I entered the church last night and was greeted by literally dozens of lit candles in the dim temple, many of which were floating in large vases of water. Today the priest will bless the waters of a river, and a bunch of men will dive into the cold waters searching for a cross.
Water is such a beautiful yet terrible essence: it’s cleansing, refreshing, satisfying, but also powerful and dangerous. I love Kentucky poet Wendell Berry‘s approach to living in close relationship with nature, and in this poem it’s his life that’s chaotic and dangerous, and water that’s calm and cleansing. Enjoy.
Today’s Poetry Friday Roundup can be found at Teaching Authors.
I lust loved that line..what a beautiful poem!
I also love Wendell Berry. That’s a great poem.
We waste a lot of time with forethought of grief, don’t we?
So beautiful, just as nature intended I think. Thank you for the early explanation of epiphany & the way some celebrate. I didn’t know about it.