Berryville Book Buzz

Our theme for the library this year is What a Wonderful World, and to that end, we’re focusing on seeing the wonder in our world. Usually, every month at the desk, we have an article available for patrons to read and discuss with Julie, our library director, but this year, we’re handing out poems instead. Our trusty library goose is also helping us pen a monthly column that focuses on some of the gems in our poetry collection.

For November, our poem is James Merrill’s “Periwinkles.” When people list popular 20th century poets, James Merrill likely doesn’t make most lists, though he was certainly well-respected during his lifetime. It’s a shame because, with his keen ear for language, Merrill has an elegant, eloquent style that is well worth visiting. It’s already evident in “Periwinkles,” which was written when Merrill was in his early 20s. His influence also extends beyond what he wrote, for Merrill, who was born into a wealthy, prominent family, used his inheritance to support fellow writers who were not as financially secure. Among other poets who benefited from his generosity is Elizabeth Bishop, whose work is better known today than Merrill’s.