I love Mary Oliver – and I am grateful to Bill for posting this. As for who I thought of when I read this? All of us at different times in our lives. There is only one voice that should serve as the clarion call – your own. Have a great Monday all.
“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…
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So, so true, Mimi. We’re no good to anyone if we don’t “first tend our own garden” so to speak…. Happy MondY, my friend…. Xoxo, l
Typically the one garden that is left to lie fallow just a tad longer than it should…xox
Such sound advice, such a startling reality, yet, so often so hard to do. Part of the ongoing (r)evolution to rid oneself of the things that are harmful to the ability to see the beauty and promise of each new day. The journey continues, the pace changes on a daily basis and the past becomes history. Love that you thought to share such beauty this morning. Wishing you a Monday like no other. xoxoxoxo
Her words just echo in my heart over and over..and the knowledge that our lives are ours to tend and nurture..and it is our eyes that open to each new day. Your words are beautiful Jo – I wish you a glorious Monday..xoox, m
Happy Monday Mimi, enjoy your day!
You too!!!
Mary Oliver is such a beautiful and wise soul. Her poetry is special and always has a powerful message for me when I take time and read it mindfully.
I read her poetry often..and re-read it often…