Messenger
February 23, 2012 * * * * * Posted by: Mary 
Messenger
My work is loving the world.
Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird-
equal seekers of sweetness.
Here the quickening yeast; there the blue plums.
Here the clam deep in the speckled sand. Are my boots old? Is my coat torn?
Am I no longer young, and still not half-perfect? Let me
keep my mind on what matters,
which is my work. Which is mostly standing still and learning to be
astonished.
The phoebe, the delphinium.
The sheep in the pasture, and the pasture.
Which is mostly rejoicing, since all the ingredients are here
Which is gratitude, to be given a mind and a heart
and these body-clothes,
a mouth with which to give shouts of joy
to the moth and the wren, to the sleepy dug-up clam,
telling them all, over and over, how it is
that we live forever. ~ Mary Oliver
I was on my Facebook page the other day, February 16th actually; and I saw a post asking for people to send their well wishes to Mary Oliver because, as the statement read,…had to cancel all her performances due to a serious illness. I stopped cold – what!? Mary Oliver? I quickly went to her FB page to see more then 700 “well-wishers” sending their love. Fortunately within 24 hours it was reported that perhaps “serious” was too strong a word and they were expecting Mary to have a full recovery from her illness.
But it sure stopped me in my tracks. Mary Oliver. She has saved my life more than once during turbulent, difficult, challenging times; me and just about every other person who loves her and her gorgeous use of language. And it really made me feel deeply about the power of a poem, the power of words, the gift of language and communication. And it made me think a lot about so many of the teachings that I’ve been given over the years that basically, point to not taking things people say or do personally. And yes, I certainly work towards this in my daily life and particularly with those who, knowingly or not, push the exact “buttons” which allow me to “take it personally”, and then figure out how to best work with all that “taking it personally”.
And I think of Mary Oliver’s poems and how they reached in so far and deep and pulled me through those emotional waters. Words….whether I like it or not, words are strong, personal, evocative, and can quite often make a lasting, emotional mark; from pain to anger to self-worth, self-love and yes, joy, happiness and of course, love. So words do cut deeply and in many different emotional directions and yes, damn it! Words are personal…I take them personally.
This is very pronounced for me in my work situation; really for the past nine months. Over and over I hear, “Don’t you remember, I already told you, you need to remember, you need to pay more attention, you need to concentrate.” You get the picture. I’ve got nine months worth of processing to share about this but at the end of the day it really does come down to what I take personally, what I feel is really true for me, and then…how do I want to spend my days…do I believe any of it…am I going to let the words tear my heart and make me feel less than?
I am a work in progress and believe I deserve better, kinder, more loving and truer words…words that inspire and uplift and bring light and joy…I will give these gifts of words to myself because this is where it truly begins and ends.
Mary Oliver, communication, personal, words
Reader Comments (14)
Of course words matter. How we choose to express ourselves and how we talk to others can transform our days and our relationships. So sorry to hear that you're struggling with how others speak to you at work. And - what a relief to know that Mary Oliver is well!!! I adore her poetry!
Words are a strong tool to express, and you are very well driven in it... As for Mary Oliver, not known here in Holland as far as I know
Oh, how I loved this post.
I was having lunch with a friend, who told me a story about taking a business risk which ended with sharing what her late husband said to her. "Sweetie, bet on yourself."
I'm betting on you, too, Mary to bathe yourself in kindness and words that inspire you...that come from you. Bet on yourself.
First of all, Mary, your image is glorious...as though all the beautiful, upbuilding, encouraging words we all need meshed together into a cool refreshment for the day. Secondly, I admire your ability to connect the dots from Mary Oliver's poem to your own work situation. Thank you for showing how we all are a work in progress, learning how to believe in ourselves!
Mary, you certainly touch a part of my heart this morning with your words about words ... our words, others words to us, the lack of words. It's all such a big thing in our days and in our lives. I, too, take it so personally, wondering what was meant, reading between the lines, wondering why a comment wasn't made, etc. etc.
I think it's because words are so important to me, to us, maybe as women we know the impact they can have, that power to pull you thru the tough times or send you under.
I love the words you ended with and will remember this. I also will keep coming back to enjoy this beautiful image!
Words do matter. Just yesterday I read this article in my newspaper saying that the words (a politician over here uses) are to be considered as deeds/acts ( I don't know which word to use). You certainly have a Beautiful way with words and so does Mary Oliver, whom I have never heard of. Like Chantal says I guess she is not well known over here. I will have to check her out.
First, Mary, thanks to introducing me to Mary Oliver whom I didn't know before.
And yes, I can only second what so many already said here - words do matter. They can soothe and comfort, and they can hurt and destroy. I, too, feel that they get to me deeper than they perhaps should be. Especially the hurting ones...
Thanks for all your great words of support and encouragement. What a gift to have this amazing global support system!!!
I love the blend of colors in the photo. Oh, to be able to put words together like Mary Oliver. Now that's something to aspire to. Or maybe it's best to aspire to have our own words that express who we are. I've had a week's worth of word slaps and I wish I could say I've just shrugged it off. It's a good time to go read something lovely and soothing.
I've been writing and really thinking about words for four years now, and have come to this simple conclusion: words can be windows, or words can be bricks. Words-as-bricks wall us off from one another, or harm when hurled. Words-as-windows open out into the world, revealing its wonders to us and inviting us to come out and play.
Sometimes, someone throws a brick through a window. I think that's called an argument. ;) But windows can be repaired and reopened. It just takes a little time.
I love your post, esp. the last words you 'talked to yourself'. I believe words are important, and I stopped wasting time for negative words and complaining. There's more beauty in lifting-up words and supportive words, so I try to focus on constructive words and words that inspire me, inspire others. I'm glad we think alike.
Hi Mary - your image really spoke to me. Simply beautiful! Words. They constantly build us up, yet tear us down. They are very powerful indeed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Something for us all to think about.
I really love the image, it goes so well with your words.
I love Mary Oliver, love that she has devoted her entire life to words. Because I do believe in the power of words, you are so right. And reaching towards what encourages and inspires you is a vital part of life.
Your photo is so lovely and just perfect for this post!