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for Cora
When loneliness comes stalking, go into the fields, consider
the orderliness of the world. Notice
something you have never noticed before,
like the tambourine sound of the snow-cricket
whose pale green body is no longer than your thumb.
Stare hard at the hummingbird, in the summer rain,
shaking the water-sparks from its wings.
Let grief be your sister, she will whether or no.
Rise up from the stump of sorrow, and be green also,
like the diligent leaves.
A lifetime isn't long enough for the beauty of this world
and the responsibilities of your life.
Scatter your flowers over the graves, and walk away.
Be good-natured and untidy in your exuberance.
In the glare of your mind, be modest.
And beholden to what is tactile, and thrilling.
~ Mary Oliver ~
(The Leaf and the Cloud: A Poem)
Image shot at Gayhead Beach, Martha's Vineyard, October 2007.
Posted by susan at February 26, 2008 10:01 AM
This is lovely and quite different than many of your photos.
Posted by: LoieJ at February 26, 2008 04:03 PM
I just noticed the seaweed looks like treble clef symbol. That's rather cool and interesting. ha!
Posted by: susan at February 26, 2008 04:09 PM
A treble clef symbol? I would have missed that one. LOL
Posted by: Bob at February 27, 2008 12:28 PM
After just returning from the beach I found this image striking, /we saw some interesting sea shells, and two sculptures. A group of twelve female gymnasts did a great job on an aztec pyramid with seas weed for palm trees. Some young gentlemen left a pair of perfect breasts with sea shells for nipples.
Thank you for sharing the work of Mary Oliver. She has become my favorite poet.
Posted by: janet at February 27, 2008 04:24 PM