I am resurfacing only briefly because I don’t want to let another Poetry Friday go by without posting (even though this is a late Thursday writing.) This poem speaks to me on so many levels. I hope to post updates soon but for now, enjoy some Mary Oliver.
THE JOURNEY
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice–
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
“Mend my life!”
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do–
determined to save
the only life you could save.
~ ~ ~ Mary Oliver
Susan, I have never heard of Mary Oliver (have I?) nor have I ever read this poem so when I tell you her words just cut me into pieces you know I speak from my gut. I hear you and I feel you in this essay and please know it mirrors my moment in life as well. Totally wowed.
Be good, sweetie.
-Pamela
Oh my goodness, Pamela. Get thee to a bookstore. Or at least visit
http://www.allspirit.co.uk/maryoliver.html or http://mclibrary.nhmccd.edu/lit/oliver.html and learn more about her. I think you would also enjoy her poem WILD GEESE.
At various times in my life, this poem has been the one that helped me get back on track.
I of course don’t know what’s going on with you recently, as you haven’t told me, but I see the message in your poem and hope that it helps you in this time.
Hugs.
Thanks, Kelly. It isn’t anything “omigosh how I will I survive” but more “omigosh I am so overwhelmed” and there are not enough hours in the day. I miss being here but in two weeks I have shutdown and I will be off work for 19 days!
That’s gorgeous, Susan. I love Mary Oliver.
And I echo Kelly’s sentiments.
Thanks! Life is even more insane than usual. I sure miss all of you. And this poem, bang, straight to the heart.
Susan, thanks for posting these poems. Poetry has always intimidated me (I felt too stupid to understand) but these little doses you share are helping me ease into a cautious enjoyment.
Hope life calms for you a bit.
I’ve always loved this one, too. Thanks!
Jules (from Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast)
Powerful poem. Thanks! I’ll have to look her up.
love this poem
Hi Susan–Lovely poem. Boy, can I relate.
I don’t know much of Oliver’s work, but I did just order a book of hers a few days ago called The Rules of the Dance, or something like that. It’s about writing rhymed/rhythmic poetry.
That poem speaks to me too, my friend. I heart Mary Oliver. I heart you {{}}.
The Journey
The Oliver poem comes from Dreamwork. The Journey is one of my favorite poems and Oliver is one of my favorite poets.
–Jay, Seattle, WA
Nice quote
There is hardly a thing in the world that some man can not make a little
worse and sell a little cheaper.
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http://conradmoraneg.easyjournal.com
Hello
I’m new here, just wanted to say hello and introduce myself.