I heard Mary Oliver read her poetry last night. In person! What simple brilliance!
The auditorium is packed. We wait, almost breathless. Then tiny frail white-haired Mary steps to the lecturn, and declaims and challenges - in her deep rich cigarette voice -
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with
your one wild and precious life?"
Will you pause to see beauty? Do you honor and cherish all living things?
Can you remember to "let the soft animal of your body love what it loves?
And here are her Three Instructions for living a life:
"PAY ATTENTION
BE ASTONISHED
TELL ABOUT IT"
In her poem, Messenger, these words say it all:
"My work is loving the world"
How wonderful you've already put thoughts into action - you
- paid attention
- were astonished
- told everyone,
as advised. Congratulations. Thanks for the tickle to remember what's vital! Love, kath
Posted by: kath | October 17, 2011 at 08:37 PM
How wonderful to read your most recent blogs! The artwork is spectacular also. Thank you for your inspiration.
Posted by: Beverley Cooper | October 19, 2011 at 09:34 PM