I have been turning each morning to a poem by Mary Oliver for comfort, reassurance and inspiration. Her words continually inspire me to believe that there is a kinder and gentler way of living, with empathy and compassion, and that these aren't weaknesses but essential traits to guide our daily lives.
Mary Oliver is an American now in her 80's and is a Pulitzer prize (1984) winning poet. Her Wikipedia entry is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Oliver
As I continue my February challenge to make more room in my life, I was inspired by a poem titled Storage by Mary Oliver, kindly passed on to me by my friend, Melbourne Jenny. It comes from Mary Oliver's collection of poems in Felicity
When I moved from one house to another
there were many things I had no room
for. What does one do? I rented a storage
space. And filled it. Years passed.
Occasionally I went there and looked in,
but nothing happened, not a single
twinge of the heart.
As I grew older the things I cared
about grew fewer, but were more
important. So one day I undid the lock
and called the trash man. He took
everything.
I felt like the little donkey when
his burden is finally lifted. Things!
Burn them, burn them! Make a beautiful
fire! More room in your heart for love,
for the trees! For the birds who own
nothing – the reason they can fly.
Simple beauty in the light from an open window, small flowers, a quiet moment in a busy day.