Well-Educated Mind Poetry Reading List discussion

A fire has destroyed a home in the country, leaving a sunset-glow in the sky. The barn was untouched, thanks to the wind. And all that was left of the house was the chimney.

As time goes by, the barn was abandoned, and the windows were broken. For that, the birds made it their home, and they seemed happy enough. Even the Elm and lilacs were "renewed" with life.

So why does one need to be well-versed in country things? Because the "country" knows nature abounds and survives and does not concern itself with people or human emotions. Life continues on and there is no need to shed tears over loss. There is no sense in applying similar emotions to nature because it doesn't experience them. That is being well-versed in country things.