This is one of my favorite poems. It is written by Mary Oliver. I’d like to share it with you as this new year unfolds. You have “one wild and precious life.” Make sure 2007 celebrates your wonderful gift of life. Enjoy!
The Summer Day
by Mary OliverWho 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 down 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?
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.
Jerome aka Bridget Jones
January 6, 2007 at 5:28 pm (17 years ago)my scheme of things is yet to unfold.
hugs!
Junnie
January 7, 2007 at 4:40 pm (17 years ago)i also appreciate the fact that i do know how to be idle and be blessed, to be able to appreciate life despite my own frailties and transgressions…to be blessed even if i dont deserve them
rach
January 8, 2007 at 1:04 pm (17 years ago)A very beautiful poem. There are times, I feel lost and don’t seem to know where I’m heading. When this happens, I just pray and look at my husband and son. As long as they are with me, I’m sure I can never go wrong. Or if I do, I know they will help lead me back to the right track.
jey
January 10, 2007 at 8:35 am (17 years ago)“strength is in letting go and moving on…” goes the text message i got this morning. and this poem reminded me so much of what i am blessed with. thanks for sharing, toni!