2.5 stars

I found the biography bits by the editor interesting, and there were some good parts in the essays by Britts, but I really didn't connect with the poetry at all.

I also found it interesting that Britts apparently subscribed to Darwinian evolutionary theory, despite his otherwise deeply Christian beliefs. ( )

May not Wendell Berry but still a good read all in all. Sometimes I think it is hard for me, the reader, to make the leap to farming garden practices that are from another climate. I compare too much to how things grow here where there is very little moisture and was not able to fully transport to a more temperate clime.

While the generally rhyming poetry of Philip Britts isn’t the type I’m particularly drawn to I did appreciate how the book was set up well with the added writings and commentary on his life balancing out the book well. I admit I’m hardly familiar at all with the Bruderhof (or similar) communities so it was interesting to get an idea of their perspectives. I’m struck by Britts clear love of and respect for nature and even his fellow man as well as his resolve to be true to his beliefs even when they caused him hardship. I found inspiration in this book and I’m thankful for being able to read something that shows the kindness in us humans instead of the weaknesses and misdeeds we seem to be inundated with in a lot of our current news and bestsellers. ( )

One of the great tragedies of the modern world is the complete divorce of the city dwellers from nature and the land. . . .



Water at the Roots: Poems and Insights of a Visionary Farmer by Philip Britts is partially a collection of poetry and partially a biography. Farmer-poet Philip Britts was born in 1917 in Devon, England. Britts became a pacifist, joined the Bruderhof, and during World War II moved to South America. There, in 1949, he died of a rare tropical illness at the age of 31, leaving his wife, Joan, with three young children and fourth on the way.

Water at the Roots is a collection of poetry about a simpler life. The introduction is written by David Kline an Amish farmer from Ohio who is editor and author. Britts is described as having a human touch, a love for the land, and working with nature. He was a nurturer and not an exploiter. The poems reflect a simpleness that is missing in agriculture and in life today. Although very religious, his tone is welcoming and not critical. A communal life is exercised in the Bruderhof. The Bruderhof is a Christian communal colony described in Acts 2, 44-47 and Acts 4.

Outside of religion and farming Britts' main passion was peace. He was a conscientious objector throughout WWII. Many who did not want to fight eventually did so once Britain was attacked. Britts remained against the war. He saw the good that could be done with the resources and lives destroyed by the war.

His song shall shake the souls of politicians,
And while the craven church still watches, dumb,
The hands of men shall grasp at tools, not weapons,
And womanhood shall sing that peace has come.

The poems alone will take the reader back a couple hundred years in their tone and style. Without the biographical information included on Britts, one would no guess these poems were written in the 20th century. The love of the land and the lifestyle are far removed from today's industrial agriculture, GMOs, profits, and chemical fertilizers is a refreshing change. The religious aspects are gentle and open to all regardless of belief. Britts is a man who brought out the best in human nature and invited others to follow.

Available March 20, 2018 ( )

Story of Philip Britts, poet, farmer, pastor, conscientious objector, member of Bruderhof Community, Very moving; lovely book ( )