Oh do you have time
Mary Oliver, “Invitation,”
to linger
for just a little while
out of your busy
and very important day
for the goldfinches
that have gathered
in a field of thistles
for a musical battle,
to see who can sing
the highest note,
or the lowest,
or the most expressive of mirth,
or the most tender?
Their strong, blunt beaks
drink the air
as they strive
melodiously
not for your sake
and not for mine
and not for the sake of winning
but for sheer delight and gratitude –
believe us, they say,
it is a serious thing
just to be alive
on this fresh morning
in the broken world.
I beg of you,
do not walk by
without pausing
to attend to this
rather ridiculous performance.
It could mean something.
It could mean everything.
It could be what Rilke meant, when he wrote:
You must change your life.
6 Comments
Tom Dills
Excellent perspective, Monte. We would all do well to slow down and appreciate nature and all it offers. Thank you for sharing.
Monte Stevens
This image is taken at a bench in the Pineridge Natural Area. I like to sit here and watch the sun rise while listening to the birds sing. And, every once in a while hear a coyote howl. As I saw this scene I knelt down on one knee and composed the image. I do like how it came out. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment.
Sorry for another Mary Oliver quote but I’m digging her poetry.
Tom Dills
No apologies necessary, I’m liking it too! 🙂
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Tom! We hit 96 degrees today. It was hot!
Mark
Gorgeous photo Monte – and wise words to accompany!
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Mark. I believe that some days words and images can do their magic to us at a deep level.