Wendell Berry on Eternity

Here’s a poem about eternity by Wendell Berry.  I have heard entire lectures about the nature of eternity, and about how the Greek term for eternal life in the New Testament scriptures might have more to do with quality of life than length of life.  I have not heard it stated more clearly or concisely than in this poem.

Eternity is not infinity.

It is not a long time.

It does not begin at the end of time.

It does not run parallel to time.

In its entirety it always was.

In its entirety it will always be.                                                        

It is entirely present always.

From Leavings, by Wendell Berry


(Photo by Charles Kinnaird)