When it seems like the world is collapsing in on itself and bad news is all around, poetry provides a respite that nothing else can.
The bird that came to my mind as I read Mary Oliver’s poem was a Cedar Waxwing with their distinctive white outline around their eyes. (and thanks to Pexel I found a photo to share on a morning as I am fresh out of Cedar Waxwing photos!)
This morning my thoughts are full of all those devastated by the spate of tornadoes that tore across so many states.
I will see you all back here on Wednesday.
White-Eyes
BY MARY OLIVER
In winter
all the singing is in
the tops of the trees
where the wind-bird
with its white eyes
shoves and pushes
among the branches.
Like any of us
he wants to go to sleep,
but he’s restless—
he has an idea,
and slowly it unfolds
from under his beating wings
as long as he stays awake.
But his big, round music, after all,
is too breathy to last.
So, it’s over.
In the pine-crown
he makes his nest,
he’s done all he can.
I don’t know the name of this bird,
I only imagine his glittering beak
tucked in a white wing
while the clouds—
which he has summoned
from the north—
which he has taught
to be mild, and silent—
thicken, and begin to fall
into the world below
like stars, or the feathers
of some unimaginable bird
that loves us,
that is asleep now, and silent—
that has turned itself
into snow.
Source: Poetry (Poetry Foundation, 2002)
How I love Mary Oliver’s poetry. Thanks for sharing Kat!
Both the poem and photo are so very lovely, and I thank you for the lovely start to my Monday!
That picture is stunning – nice work finding it! I loved this part of the poem:
Like any of us
he wants to go to sleep,
but he’s restless—
he has an idea,
and slowly it unfolds
from under his beating wings
as long as he stays awake.
Haven’t we all been there, dear waxwing?? Staying awake is always the problem for me 🙂 Enjoy your week, Kat!
Those Friday night storms were horrible and I am always more afraid when the storms come through at night. Thankfully, our town sustained only minor damage, but tornadoes touched down all around us doing great damage in small farming communities nearby. The devastation at the Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville and in Kentucky is just heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing that beautiful photo and poem!
balm on a Monday evening, Kat, thank you! (I love Poetry MONDAYS)
Beautiful, both the photo and the poem. Now and then Cedar Waxwings come through the neighborhood. They are such a treat.
Such a wonderful, calming poem! I felt myself relax as read each line. Thank you.
Mary Oliver is always, always a balm for the soul.
XO