8/16/22 Workshop – A Poem by Mary Oliver

The Pond

August of another summer, and once again
I am drinking the sun
and the lilies again are spread across the water.
I know now what they want is to touch each other.
I have not been here for many years
during which time I kept living my life.
Like the heron, who can only croak, who wishes he
could sing,
I wish I could sing.
A little thanks from every throat would be appropriate.
This is how it has been, and this is how it is:
All my life I have been able to feel happiness,
except whatever was not happiness,
which I also remember.
Each of us wears a shadow.
But just now it is summer again
and I am watching the lilies bow to each other,
then slide on the wind and the tug of desire,
close, close to one another,
Soon now, I’ll turn and start for home.
And who knows, maybe I’ll be singing.

 

Reflective Writing Prompt

Write about something you wish for.

3 thoughts on “8/16/22 Workshop – A Poem by Mary Oliver

  1. Elizabeth

    In the murky pond of life
    There is a muddiness
    That swirls and whirls,
    But eventually settles.
    Then a burst of clarity
    Swimming in the clear water,
    Only to have the mud
    Stirred up again.
    And so it goes…

    • “In the murky pond of life
      There is muddiness..”

      I love how this describes what life is, murky and muddy that gives way to occasional clarity.

      Yes, our life pond would look very clear if we did not stir it up with our activities and struggles, or calmed down, perhaps through meditation or even rest.

  2. Anita Lim

    Something I wish for

    Lilies reaching out
    to touch one another
    Evoking togetherness
    Arms and legs intertwined
    Pressed up against you
    Skin on skin delicious and free
    Fully exposed vulnerable
    Nothing hidden
    Breath intermingling
    Hope and joy hugging
    Walking in step
    Rest in me
    When will I
    see you again?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *