I write Mary Oliver’s poem in my morning pages, my journal, line by line, not reading ahead, absorbing each word, image, and thought. The fragile blue flowers blew my mind.
I’m not much into astrology, but I remember a couple astrologers who read my chart seemed a bit disturbed, and I wondered if I should be disturbed? Yes, it turned out.
When I read Keats, Yeats, Joyce and other poets in high school English, they sailed right over my head.
Now 81, I get up each morning, wondering why I’m still here? Then, I try to get over that disappointment and get on with the day. Some days go better than others. Some body parts don’t work so good after 81 years of wear and tear. My moods swing a bit, but whose moods don’t swing a bit?
If I'm counting correctly, I’m into my 12th life in this lifetime. Eight lives had to do with women I was with, one at a time, who woke something up in me, which I did not know was there. I think there were three lives before that, not worth mention, and one life after, perhaps not much mention either :-), but perhaps I’m not seeing clearly, or hope springs eternal, or whatever. :-)
I discovered Mary’s work probably about 25 years ago and how could I have forgotten her? Her poetry taught me so so much about the feels of life so subtle, so unexpected. But I did lose track of her in busy-ness and worldliness and here she is again just when I needed her. She’s a DJinni. I’m so glad to be here now remembering Mary.
I have read all of her poems at least 3-4 times and I wish there were more, lots more. Inspirational she was and she continues to inspire and always will.
Mary Oliver is a poet who belongs next to Rumi, Mirabai, and other mystics --
These lines resonate with me especially today as they call me into presence with the sensations that make up this life--
"I know, you never intended to be in this world.
But you’re in it all the same.
so why not get started immediately.
I mean, belonging to it.
There is so much to admire, to weep over."
I love Mary Oliver- what a way to wake up- to this. Thank you.
Your poem choices have sung to me through grief-stricken times and kept me feeling connected and alive. Thank you.
Mary Oliver was so wise and I never tire of reading her words.
Read this poem slow, savor each line— it will change you.
I write Mary Oliver’s poem in my morning pages, my journal, line by line, not reading ahead, absorbing each word, image, and thought. The fragile blue flowers blew my mind.
My goodness, this is so poignant. Just hits you💔
Bless the poets who can stop you in your tracks, then turn you around so you see from a different perspective.
Oh yes!
I have cancers and hadn't read this poem. Thank you.
There will never be another like her.
Stunning step by step build. Thank you!
So beautiful and such wise words - seize the day with relish
whew...
this hit the spot
Mary always does
I’m not much into astrology, but I remember a couple astrologers who read my chart seemed a bit disturbed, and I wondered if I should be disturbed? Yes, it turned out.
When I read Keats, Yeats, Joyce and other poets in high school English, they sailed right over my head.
Now 81, I get up each morning, wondering why I’m still here? Then, I try to get over that disappointment and get on with the day. Some days go better than others. Some body parts don’t work so good after 81 years of wear and tear. My moods swing a bit, but whose moods don’t swing a bit?
If I'm counting correctly, I’m into my 12th life in this lifetime. Eight lives had to do with women I was with, one at a time, who woke something up in me, which I did not know was there. I think there were three lives before that, not worth mention, and one life after, perhaps not much mention either :-), but perhaps I’m not seeing clearly, or hope springs eternal, or whatever. :-)
I discovered Mary’s work probably about 25 years ago and how could I have forgotten her? Her poetry taught me so so much about the feels of life so subtle, so unexpected. But I did lose track of her in busy-ness and worldliness and here she is again just when I needed her. She’s a DJinni. I’m so glad to be here now remembering Mary.
I could never read a Mary Oliver poem that did not speak in some way to the human condition.
I have read all of her poems at least 3-4 times and I wish there were more, lots more. Inspirational she was and she continues to inspire and always will.