David Ferry Poetry

David Ferry is a renowned American poet, translator, and educator. Born in 1924 in Orange, New Jersey, he is celebrated for his fluent and graceful translations, including major works like The Odes of Horace and Virgil’s Aeneid.

Ferry’s original poetry, such as “Bewilderment: New Poems and Translations,” which won the National Book Award, is equally esteemed. A dedicated educator, he has taught at institutions like Wellesley College and Boston University.

Courtesy

In ‘Courtesy,’ Ferry illuminates simple moments of human connection, where courtesy and cooperation create profound harmony.

This poem is a representative example of his poetic style and themes. Ferry often explores the subtleties of human interactions, the passage of time, and the beauty in everyday moments in his poetry. In 'Courtesy,' he delves into the theme of courtesy and cooperation through a simple yet profound scene, which is a common approach in his works. His use of vivid imagery, precise language, and introspective tone are characteristic of his writing style.

It is an afternoon toward the end of August:

Autumnal weather, cool following on,

And riding in, after the heat of summer,

Into the empty afternoon shade and light,

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Courtesy

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