The Reclusive Yet Convivial House of W.S. Merwin

At Literary Hub, Michael Wiegers considers the viewpoints of poet W.S. Merwin's country house: "Over the past several years I’ve been incredibly fortunate to spend time at this home," writes Wiegers, "moving for days among its artifacts and old buildings, its gardens, wandering pastures and paths. I’m distrustful of nostalgia—especially when it comes to poetry—so I don’t intend to add to such narratives here, but I am interested in one individual’s dedication to isolation and solitude as a way to shape art." More:

In the New York Times, Merwin’s now-deceased wife Paula once described William as “a strange combination of recluse and very convivial.” The man I’ve known for 25 years has strictly guarded his privacy, so I’m left to imagine Merwin maturing into his voice and vision while living here among farmers, shepherds and old ruins, while learning to grow his own food and flowers, while translating and writing and learning from the locals.

Hidden from the road, the house has a view of vast farmlands below, with the river meandering among scattered houses and chateaux. Castle ruins, medieval town squares, and Stone age dolmens and grottoes are all within walking distance. His house sits on several acres stitched by stone walls and cart paths, some reportedly dating back to Roman times. From here Merwin wrote and read in full view of the lessons of history while listening for the roots of language and poetry. It is quiet here, and interruptions are rare: the nearest neighbors are his two donkeys who, apart from feeding time, silently win any staring contest. It is a sacred place that rewards careful contemplation and silence.

Read on at Lit Hub.