
A predictable but sad post today on hearing of the death of Mary Oliver
When death comes
like an iceberg between the shoulder blades,
I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering:
what is it going to be like, that cottage of darkness?
And therefore I look upon everything
as a brotherhood and a sisterhood,
and I look upon time as no more than an idea,
and I consider eternity as another possibility,
and I think of each life as a flower, as common
as a field daisy, and as singular,
and each name a comfortable music in the mouth,
tending, as all music does, toward silence,
and each body a lion of courage, and something
precious to the earth.
When it’s over, I want to say all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.
When it’s over, I don’t want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don’t want to find myself sighing and frightened,
or full of argument.
I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.
Mary Oliver, When Death Comes
Reblogged this on bodyandsoulnourishmentblog and commented:
This is so sad… She leaves the beautiful legacy of her poetry and her light behind! She took the world into her arms!
Karl, I just now learnt from you about Mary Oliver’s death. As she is one of my favourite poets
and also a wonderful woman it is a blow that she is no longer with us here.
You choose such a wonderful poem by her. Thank you.
Miriam
I always loved when you quoted Mary Oliver. And I’m sure I will still love when you quote her. What a blessing and quiet inspiration she was/is as you are too!
I agree with your first part – I always found her so, and will continue to quote from her. I am glad if the second part is even a little true; to be honest I find the philosophy and lifestyle on your blog to be a bigger inspiration. Hope it is not too cold where you are, Karl