Wendell Berry
The Real Work
It may be that when we no longer know what to do
we have come to our real work,
and that when we no longer know which way to go
we have come to our real journey.
The mind that is not baffled is not employed.
The impeded stream is the one that sings.
“The Real Work” by Wendell Berry, from Standing by Words. © 1983
Wow.
I love Wendell Berry and his poem The Real Work. He’s like the Atticus Finch of poetry, though he’s much more than a 
poet. He’s also a novelist and writes southern fiction, essays, and is a social activist.
I carried this poem along with me on my morning walk by the river. It seemed especially fitting, since I have no idea what I’m doing right now or where I’m going. (See my earlier post on What Revising Looks Like. I’m at it again.) But, thanks to this poem, I see myself as happily baffled and singing my heart out.
What about you? Have you come to your Real Work? As always, I’d love to hear from you.
P.S. Check out The Secret Sense of Wildflower “…astute observations and wonderfully turned phrases, with nary a cliche to be found. She could be an adolescent Scout Finch…A quietly powerful story, at times harrowing but ultimately a joy to read.” – Kirkus Reviews (starred review) To read the entire Kirkus review go here.
P.P.S. I’m an ex-shrink who writes novels. Check out my books here.
Love it! “The mind that is not baffled is not employed.” Perfect.
Hi Barbara,
I love that line, too. And I love that the poem gives us permission to not know what we’re doing. I seem to be very good at that lately.
I hope life is treating you well!
And from a lovely email subscriber:
“Hi Susan, Have I come to my real work? This poem is so thoughtful and hopeful and brings a sense of peace to me. I think I am entering that stage about now. How to re-invent myself as a widow. It is a slow process, indeed, but worth the effort and set-backs that will occur along my way.
Thank you for sending this along. Mary”