Sunday, December 05, 2010

Winter's Day Poetry

Winter Morning

Invitation
by Mary Olivier.

Oh do you have time
to linger
for just a little while
out of your busy

and very important day
for the goldfinches
that have gathered
in a field of thistles

for a musical battle,
to see who can sing
the highest note,
or the lowest,

or the most expressive of mirth,
or the most tender?
Their strong, blunt beaks
drink the air

as they strive
melodiously
not for your sake
and not for mine

and not for the sake of winning
but for sheer delight and gratitude—
believe us, they say,
it is a serious thing

just to be alive
on this fresh morning
in the broken world.
I beg of you,

do not walk by
without pausing
to attend to this
rather ridiculous performance.

It could mean something.
It could mean everything.
It could be what Rilke meant, when he wrote:
You must change your life.

from Redbird:Poems


Isn't that how we should live each precious moment of each day?

23 comments:

Andrea said...

Absolutely beautiful!
Blessings,
andrea

Debbie in CA : ) said...

This is so beautiful! I am endeavoring to live more peacefully, more slowly, more serendipitously. Our theme this year is "peace on Earth" and we have chosen to be the change we hope to see all around.

Many blessings to you!

Tiffanee said...

Very beautiful! Thanks for warming my heart!!

Cait O'Connor said...

I adore Mary Oliver and this poem new to me is just wonderful, thank you for posting it and thanks for calling by at my blog. I love both of yours and will call again.

Karen said...

Slowing down, taking deep breaths...lovely.

trish said...

What a beautiful poem. It causes me to be still and soak in the beauty of the season. :o) I believe we have another blue bird family in their little house. :o) They are the sweetest to watch. :o)
Sincerely - Trish

Judy Merrill-Smith said...

Thanks for sharing this, Yolanda! And thanks for stopping by my blog.

The Old Parsonage said...

I agree, absolutely beautiful.

Enjoy the season!
Leann

Connie said...

Love, love Mary Oliver's poetry...thanks for sharing this one! Love the photo as well! Hope all is well!

tea time and roses said...

Hello Yolanda,

How wonderful to have you drop in for a visit. I so agree, blogland has gotten a lot bigger over the years which makes it a whole lot easier to fall out of touch with those blogs we love. I am adding you to my list of favorites today...we must not lose one another again.:o)

Such a beautiful post. Thank you so much for sharing this lovely poem with us. Your photo is breathtaking, so very beautiful.

Wishing you a beautiful week.

Smiles♥

Beverly

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

That is a beautiful picture and lovely poetry. Thank you for stopping by my blog. I couldn't help but notice that we share a similar taste in books. I've just finished reading all of the Armand Gamache books. I'm so sad that there's not more to read. I absolutely loved them. I'll enjoy visiting your site -- I can tell already!

Diane said...

Thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. I'm glad I came over to see you, I love your latest post and the poem by Mary Oliver. Blessings, Diane

Elaine said...

Lovely poem for the blog party. Wonderful wintry photo!

joanne said...

beautiful!
and yes, I also live a perfectly imperfect life...so glad you stopped by..;j

Paula said...

"for sheer delight and gratitude"
Yes, that's absolutely how we should live every moment of every day. Thank you for the beautiful reminder!

blue china studio happy said...

Beautiful photo and beautiful poem!
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. I love the name of yours.

JoAnn said...

Just beautiful - both the poem and photo! I have only recently discovered Mary Oliver, but look forward to reading more of her poetry.

Anneliese said...

Thank you for the sweet note you left for me. This poem, in a way, expresses the need to sit and enjoy the things money and lists cannot provide ... this morning I made my mom a fruit salad and we sat and chatted ... she enjoyed a time that we usually don't take time for.

Gigi Thibodeau said...

She is one of my favorite poets, and this is one of her most beautiful poems. Thanks for sharing it, Yolanda. Thank you, too, for your comment on my blog today. I am having a crummy day, and your words and this post truly lifted my spirit.

All best,
Gigi

Cathi said...

So beautiful! Love the photo too! Warm hugs to you! xxoo :)

Tracy said...

What a beautiful poem, and the picture is gorgoeus as well. Thanks for stopping by my place today. It really means a lot!

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Wonderful poem..... I don't know much about Mary Oliver, but I'm learning. Also love this quote that's attributed to her:

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

wishing you glimpses of heaven in unexpected places.........

Tracy said...

Sublimely lovely, Yolanda! I've long admired the work of Mary Oliver--so poignant and vital always. Thank you for this beautiful moment. :o)