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Gratitude. "Another Everyday Poem" by Mary Oliver

Posted on 11/20/2014 12:04:01 PM by Geri deGruy - 4 Comments
Topics: gratitude | new finished work 

 

 There's Room

 

In this season focused on gratitude, I thought I'd share a wonderful (aren't they all?!) poem by Mary Oliver.

 

ANOTHER EVERYDAY POEM

 

Every day

I consider

the lilies--

how they are dressed--

 

and the ravens--

how they are fed--

and how each of these

is a miracle

 

of Lord-love

and of sorrow--

for the lilies

in their bright dresses

 

cannot last

but wrinkle fast

and fall,

and the little ravens

 

in their windy nest

rise up

in such pleasure

at the sight

 

of fresh meat

that makes their lives sweet--

and what a puzzle it is

that such brevity--

 

the lavish clothes, 

the ruddy food--

makes the world

so full, so good.

 

(from the book "Red Bird" by Mary Oliver)

 

 


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4 Responses to Gratitude. "Another Everyday Poem" by Mary Oliver

Hi Geri! I, too, have been focusing on gratitude. A few years ago I started a gratitude journal not expecting the many, many ways it blessed my life! Eventually, as often happens (to me, anyway) I got distracted by life and/or some shiny something and got away from keeping my gratitude journal. I always continue to be thankful but there is something powerful in taking the energy of gratitude and giving it a tangible form. Recently, in part due to the season, I was remembering the gifts of keeping a gratitude journal and decided to do it again as an art journal this time and my husband is going to do it as well. I guess I said all that as a way of relating to the Mary Oliver poem as well as your art piece "There's Room". That piece is so wonderful! The colors you used are so rich and vibrant. Another thing that really caught my eye is the way you used the paper to shade certain sections. I love that and you did it perfectly! Your thoughts you posted with it (when I clicked on the title of your art piece) are inspiring and I so agree. You said there is room for you and me, for all of us. It resonates with me because I believe the same way and always say there is no lack. That's one reason it is sad to me when I see people envious of the success or good fortune of others. Also, when I see online these never ending discussions about art and what is "real" or "good" art and what isn't and this or that person shouldn't call themselves an artist etc. I always think if you only realized there's enough (of whatever) for everyone then you wouldn't put this all this energy of insecurity into stepping on others. You said it much better than I but I think it's a crucial principle with which to empower others. So, I thank you for sharing! Oh, I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your article in the latest Cloth, Paper, Scissors! I haven't done paper mosaics in quite awhile and I've never done it with the micro beads. What a creative idea and I can't wait to try it! I already have a ton of those little beads too. Your mosaics are gorgeous!! I apologize this got so long :) Warm Regards!

Posted by Shauna · via geri.fineartstudioonline.com · 142 months ago

Hi Shauna! So great to hear from you! I so agree with you about gratitude journals. I can be in a blue mood and just writing down the zillion things I have to be thankful for will change everything. I start to see clearly and embrace life. Will you post pictures from your art-gratitude journal? Great idea to add art.

Thank you so much for your comments on "There's Room." It's such a strong sense I have right now and want to share, that there's room for all of us, there's space for us to be. I think you said it really well.

I'd love to see the mosaic you make!

Thank you for sharing. It made me smile and smile. Fondly, Ger

Posted by Geri deGruy · via geridegruy.com · 142 months ago

I love the bright colours! Enough to cheer you up on a day that forecasts blizzard conditions from now to Saturday!!!

Mary (in Canada)

Posted by Mary · via geri.fineartstudioonline.com · 142 months ago

Thank you Mary! And BRRRR. Did you get your blizzard? May you have much cheer!!!

Posted by Geri deGruy · via geridegruy.com · 142 months ago

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