“It was what I was born for — to look, to listen.” ~ Mary Oliver
This is a tribute in loving and mindful memory of a beloved poet and companion, Mary Oliver. Even though I never actually met her in person, she’s kept me company on many rainy days by the fire and marvelous mornings with her poetic presents and presence. I shared some of her poems and book suggestions in prior posts while she was living. I mentioned her when writing my first book. I am grateful for her voice and inspiration. Her memory and presence will live on through her vision and voice.
I keep her book, Devotions, on my living room table (it’s also on my virtual bookshelf). This morning, I flipped it open to the poem called “Mindful.” It sang right to my heart and soul, as so often happens when I spend time with her through the pages.
Everyday
I see or hear
something
that more or less
kills me
with delight,
that leaves me
like a needle
in the haystack
of light.
It was what I was born for —
to look, to listen,
to lose myself
inside this soft world —
to instruct myself
over and over
in joy,
and acclamation.
Nor am I talking
about the exceptional,
the fearful, the dreadful,
the very extravagant —
but of the ordinary,
the common, the very drab,
the daily presentations.
Oh, good scholar,
I say to myself,
how can you help
but grow wise
with such teachings
as these —
the untrimmable light
of the world,
the ocean’s shine,
the prayers that are made
out of grass?
“Mindful” by Mary Oliver from Why I Wake Early. © Beacon Press, 2005.
I was inspired to have a sort of jam session and harmonize with her (to borrow the terms of musicians). It felt like a fun way to honor her spirit, give thanks, and pass it on.
Here is my side of the conversation/poem/song:
I love to play with words and enjoy the surprises that flow forth sometimes, such as the word “pupil” having two meanings as either a student or part of the eyes. I’m currently teaching a Communications class at our local homeschool co-op and we were just discussing poetry and the power of words earlier this week. May we be mindful and use them wisely!
I’m so glad that Mary was born “to look and listen” (as she says in her “Mindful” poem) and that she shared her perspectives with us through her words. She has definitely inspired me to do the same! I’m working on a book of poetry now. You can sign up at ThriveTrue.com/MagicMail to get the pre-order special when it gets closer to publication time. 🙂
As I wrote in my first book, The Girl Who Dances With Delight:
It baffles me that I didn’t value my own creativity for too long. I’ve always loved other artists, painters, poets, and writers. I’ve found what they offer valuable and worth purchasing. Yet, it took me years to finally see that my own creations are valuable in the same way. So are yours!
I hope Mary Oliver’s example, along with so many others, may inspire and encourage you to share your light in whatever way you enjoy doing so… whether that’s cooking, writing, teaching, gardening, painting, dancing, etc. I recently had a wonderful conversation about this for a Lightworker Interview Series with Aileen Castro. You can sign-up now (it’s free) to receive the video link when it is published.
Do you have a favorite poem by Mary Oliver? I’d love to hear in the comments. I especially appreciate how Mary Oliver’s poetry often encourages me to be more attentive to gifts in nature and life right here and now with deep reverence. Her words remind me to pause and be and explore the present. If that is something you’d like to do more frequently as well, you can enjoy one of my favorite online courses that I’ve hosted as my gift to you (before January 31st) at https://joygift.splashthat.com.
Thank you for helping me honor Mary’s memory and poetic presence. I’ve recently created a new Pinterest board about Poetic Living and choosing to be a hopeful romantic (rather than hopeless!). If you enjoy saving quotes and encouragement, you can find it at https://www.pinterest.com/thrivetrue/poetic-living-hopeful-romantic/.
Wonderful Wishes to You,
Jules
Julia Ostara
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