New Poems by Mary Oliver (2004)
Social media, main stream media, local news stations, and talk programs all combine to convince me the world has gone nuts. At least we humans have sunk into the mire of hatred. In the name of tolerance, some of us ambush, attack and shoot members of “the other side.” Sometimes because “the other side” is intolerant of “our” side. Insane.
To escape, I keep Mary Oliver’s “Why I Wake Early” poems on my bedside. If the day is stressful, I read a few of her lovely poems before turning out the light.
Here’s an excerpt from Daisies:
It is possible, I suppose, that sometime we will learn everything there is to learn: what the world is for example, and what it means. I think this as I am crossing from one field to another, in summer, and the mockingbird is mocking me, as one who either knows enough already or knows enough to be perfectly content not knowing.
Forgive my lack of skill is presenting her stanza layout perfectly, but I think the meaning is clear anyway. If you aren’t familiar with Mary Oliver, you might want to fix that.
I’m also interested in hearing what my readers choose for brief escapes from the ugly of our world. Poetry? Music? Novels? High mountain hikes?
If you care to share, I’d be delighted to hear and maybe to share it with other readers.
Thanks,
Rod