The Mad Farmer

… being a series of Wendell Berry poems.

Hi! It’s Koro, your favorite American Crow, with our monthly update. We mark, sadly, the passing of the passionate poet and environmentalist Wendell Berry. As quoted in Crows Calling—

“The poem is important / but not more than the people / whose survival it serves.”

Crows too! Why we write!!

Bruce here … Thank you, Koro! Wendell Berry has been a beacon for me since I saw him in college. I wrote to him about his influence two years ago, and received a treasured, handwritten response, which begins, “I thank you for your letter, which seems to include me in a kindness extended to all the world.” Such humility and grace.

Something we humans could use in these times of crisis. It seems to me that AI is evolving as fast as the hype around it. Serious people I admire for their considered opinions see it as an unprecedented game-changer. Beyond its known climate impacts, it is already having unpredicted effects on human psychological development, income disparity, and security. Hang on to your hats! More to come.

Writing News

Softcover Crows Calling publishes October 1st, joining the hardcover, eBook, and audiobook. One review says it’s “filled with heart, humor, and a deep sense of connection.”

The second novel, working title Savage Legacy, is more than half written. Once the draft is done, the real work starts! And, next week in Zurich I’ll be hearing about a possible offer to write about, yep, AI and human relations.

See you next month, and thanks for staying tuned!

Bruce

PS: The Goodreads Giveaway was a big success: 3,500 entrants, five winners from across the country (e.g., Heflin AL , pop. 3,431) , mixed ages and genders. Much fun!