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For Cedar, on her first birthday

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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.

Live with the beetle and the wind.

–Mary Oliver (from The Leaf and the Cloud)

3 responses »

  1. Even though so many of her poems are wonderful, you always seem to pick the perfect ones.

    Reply
  2. One cannot go wrong with Mary Oliver. She is marvelous and unmatched.

    Reply
  3. Happy First Year, sweet girl!

    Reply

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