The Journey
Mary Oliver, from Dream Work
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice –
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
“Mend my life!”
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do –
determined to save
the only life you could save.
I usually read one or two of Mary Oliver’s poems when I go to bed. This poem called The Journey, kept me awake the other night so maybe I need to rethink that routine. Anyway, the poem rocked me because it’s asking questions that I’m still asking myself at 72 years of age. It’s about transformation of an inner journey. So, it is asking if I’m willing to take all the risks involved, if I dare listen to the voice within, to face a death of some kind, to let go to something I’ve outgrown and the birth of a new self. It’s about learning to trust myself, about leaving the bad advice and demands of other people behind and even the voice of my own insecure egoic self, and to follow my own instincts, my own path in life. What does it say to you?
Today is my 72 birthday. I will most likely spend some time with my feathered friends at one of the natural areas, have a mocha or chai, get in some reading and journaling time. Basically, I’ll continue to spoil myself, even at this age.
12 Comments
Faye
Happy Birthday, Monte! I hope your day is as peaceful as you need.
Monte Stevens
Thank you, Faye! I have already been to visit my feather and furry friends this morning. Now heading to a coffee shop. I think it’s a chai kinda morning. ❤️
Bonnie Moore
Cheers to you, Monte! Hope your day is filled with love, hope and peace–and something delightfully unexpected. Happy Birthday!
Monte Stevens
Thank you, Bonnie. Something delightfully unexpected would be awesome. I will do my best to be watching for those moments. I seem to see more of them as I age. ❤️
Earl
A very Happy Birthday, Monte!
Monte Stevens
Thank you, my friend! Your friendship means a lot to me. Hope you have a wonderful day!
Tom Dills
Sounds like a great way to celebrate, Monte. I hope the whole day is as fabulous as the sunrise!
Monte Stevens
I did greet the sunrise and my feathered friends this morning. Followed that up with a mocha at Mugs and birthday wishes from the baristas. Already had birthday wishes from my blogging community, also. My day has started off great!
Ruth
Have a wonderful day. Let laughter be your guide and open your heart to all that surrounds you. It is the celebration of you, Monte. I do cherish your friendship and the unique person you are. Be happy, full of Joy, enjoy peace and celebrate life. Love, Ruth
Monte Stevens
Thank you my friend! Grateful for your role in my life and your on going friendship.
Mark
Happy Belated Monte – I hope it turned out as you wanted it to be. If that sunrise was from your birthday, I’d say it was already off to a great start.
Monte Stevens
Thank you, Mark. I did have a good birthday. Spent time with friends and family. Even indulged in some cake. The sunrise was actually taken 5 days prior and it was also a good day. 😂