Sunday Scribblings - Poetry
I do not consider myself a poet but I do love poetry. This one of my favorite poems, poets and styles. Nature inspires her work and that is what inpires me. I thought I'd use her poem and answer her, in her style.
The Summer Day
by Mary Oliver
Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean--
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down--
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
With your one wild and precious life?
My answer to Mary
by Tammy
God made the world
He made the forest, and the cedar tree.
He made the river.
The river, I watch
the one that flows through the forest with urgency,
the one that rushes over rocks without looking back.
Now it rests in shaded pools with rippled breath.
Now it's ripples join the spray, rushing away.
I know exactly what prayer is.
I do know how to find him, how to listen
for his voice, how to speak of my fears,
how to be still and trusting, how to find him in nature,
which is what I do each day.
I'll tell you, this is all I know to do.
Everything must die and too soon.
I'll tell you what I plan to do
with my one special life and blessings,
I'll live.
27 comments:
A good response. Heartfelt and optimistic.
Beautiful! And so brilliant an idea to answer Mary Oliver’s poem! Your answer is deeply touching, moving—at least those things—and its inspiration left my heart glowing.
Beautiful also your theme! I haven’t been by in awhile and found it a delight.
I believe a poet wrote that response - ahh! It's you! The poet! Yes - you.
I think of you often. (I being Kimberley from the blog Red Moon) I thought I would return to blogging a while back- but it was too soon - still too raw from my daughter's death. So much has changed ---- so much. I think this new me is getting used to being in the world.
Tammy - great way to approach poetry. I love Mary Oliver and I love your answer. Nice post.
Great response - love the positive messages it sends.
great job sister Tammy. Love all the butterflies.
Tammy!!
such a brilliant idea! LOVE your beautiful response to Ms. Olivers Summer day.
as always when I read your words.. I am moved and the love for my treasured friend makes me smile.
xoxo
Heartfelt and wonderful Tammy. The last five lines...sums it up so beautifully.
Cheers
Oh Tammy yes...we all should do that. Just live and let tomorrow take care of tomorrow.
Sending love,
b
I loved the story of you TK. It always surprises me...the joy that my grandchildren bring me and what good parents my children are. I, like you, tell them and they are always so grateful. Sigh!
Oh Tammy yes...we all should do that. Just live and let tomorrow take care of tomorrow.
Sending love,
b
I loved the story of you TK. It always surprises me...the joy that my grandchildren bring me and what good parents my children are. I, like you, tell them and they are always so grateful. Sigh!
I really loved how you answered Mary Oliver's poem. This is so seamless.
weeks trample on each other like magazines
I'll live!!!So much said!!Lovely one.
A wonderful response, especially that blockbuster of a last line.
Hugs
Phyllis
I loved this Tammy. I don't know Mary Oliver, but will go look her up now .
Your response was uplifting, I always take strength from the beauty of nature and the inevitability of life continuing.
I can't imagine a more perfect answer...
and my, how beautifully you wrote it.
Love you,
Nancy
I absolutely love Mary Oliver...and your answer to her could not have been more poignant or beautiful. Her poems are filled with the meaning of life, expressed so simply and honestly. And your answer to her had the same heartfelt emotions. It touched me deeply -- thank you for sharing your words!
Firstly, I love your idea of writing a response to the original poem. You clearly have a very strong faith and this comes through in your extremely possitive words. A delightful read.
Oh, Tammy, that is such a beautiful, beautiful response. Wow. A true poet, to be sure. Gifted, indeed.
oh tammy that was beautiful,, and i can feel the words emanating from your heart... what a lovely idea i must try it someday....
Fantastic poetry; very moving. Thanks Tammy - you are amazing.
Loved the response , especially the last line - lovely poerty :)
A fine way to poem! Wonderful...
Very beautiful and touching. I love how you posted her poem and then wrote your response, that was very creative.
Tammy,
I love the way you did this, answering Mary's poem. It would be fun if she saw this. I will live too, each day, each breath, your words are inspiring.
Loving that! What sence you have.... Hugs TJ
giving up internet for a bit.....just life and living it! I will be back...hugs TJ
Oh, Tammy, this is absolutely the BEST thing you have ever written! It is wonderful! I LOVE it! XO
And YOU!
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