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Access David's library to discover his poems, essays, courses and short films

You start
with a painter’s hand
working up color
from a dark palette
of remembrance
(from “The Painter’s Hand”)

What you can plan
is too small
for you to live.

Time to go into the dark
where the night has eyes
to recognize its own.
There you can be sure
you are not beyond love.
The dark will be your home
tonight.
(from “Sweet Darkness”)

Despair takes us in when we

have nowhere else to go;

when we feel the heart

cannot break anymore, when

our world or our loved ones

disappear, when we feel we

cannot be loved or do not

deserve to be loved, when

our God disappoints, or

when our body is carrying

profound pain in a way

that does not seem to go away.

(from “Despair”)

You start
with a painter’s hand
working up color
from a dark palette
of remembrance
(from “The Painter’s Hand”)

What you can plan
is too small
for you to live.

Time to go into the dark
where the night has eyes
to recognize its own.
There you can be sure
you are not beyond love.
The dark will be your home
tonight.
(from “Sweet Darkness”)

Despair takes us in when we

have nowhere else to go;

when we feel the heart

cannot break anymore, when

our world or our loved ones

disappear, when we feel we

cannot be loved or do not

deserve to be loved, when

our God disappoints, or

when our body is carrying

profound pain in a way

that does not seem to go away.

(from “Despair”)

Become a companion to David Whyte's work

An online archive of a lifetime's work, talks and films. There will be a pipeline of new material added to the Companion site as they become available.

Subscriber Benefits

Poetry and essays

The complete collection of David's published poetry and essays.

Video and talks

A rich archive of talks and online sessions, including a selection of Three Sundays Series.

Maps

An interactive map experience to explore the literary landscapes of David's life.

Commonly Asked Questions

Is there a monthly subscription available for the Companion?

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Currently, we only offer annual (12 month) subscriptions to the David Whyte Companion.

I already subscribe to David's Substack - what is the difference between that and the Companion?

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David publishes twice weekly on davidwhyte.substack.com, where he selects published work from his archive, and also shares new, newly revised and not yet published poems and essays. In addition to publishing his writing, David offers personal insights into the inspiration for his writing, and will often comment on reader’s responses to his posts.

Paid Substack subscribers receive exclusive discounts on new work, Three Sundays Series, and early access to register for events, retreats and walking tours.

While David’s Substack publication is a curated collection, the David Whyte Companion portal offers members the ability to explore David’s complete published archive of poems and essays on their own. As well, the Companion Library includes a selection of short films, audio talks, recordings of David reading some of his most beloved poems and essays, and a subset of past Three Sundays Series.

Companion members can save their favorite poems, series, and talks, and access them any time in their account.

Can I gift a Companion membership to someone?

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Currently, there is not an option to gift a membership.

When will more Three Sundays Series be added?

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In the coming months, we will be adding more Three Sundays Series, beginning with the six series from 2021.

Additional series will be added to the Companion Library regularly.

I am having trouble with my subscription - who do I contact?

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For any questions on how to become a Companion subscriber, or for help with your account – including email, password and payment questions – contact [email protected] and someone will be happy to assist you.

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