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Monday 21 January 2019

The wild ride

The poet, Mary Oliver died this past week. Mary, a prolific writer, wrote about animal life and the natural environment. She wrote:


“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”


I felt challenged to answer.



The candles on the cake have been blown out for another year while the days rush by. 

It feel like I’m on a raft in fast moving rapids, the white water bubbling all around me as I float along. 

Time slips by just as quickly and I have no control over it.


There are added dangers along the way. 

Rocks appear every now and again, protruding from the water, adding to the danger already present.

Periodically a low hanging branch over the river requires a quick manoeuvre. 

Yet on I go, carried by the relentless current of time. 

And though it can be scary, it is invigorating and exciting too.


Others are my raft. 

Family and friends keep me above water and catch me when I fall.


The current is slowing with each set of candles however. 

Still, the anticipation of what’s around the next bend keeps me going. 

I look forward, knowing the raft is solid even though I may falter.


I am going to hold on to that raft until it takes me to the sea,

While I soak up every bit of sun I can, lathered in sun screen.

I revel in the beauty along the shore, from the tiniest creatures to the highest mountains. 

And as the current slows, the sea spreads before me and I float into the great beyond, I will smile, knowing I have loved and been loved.


21 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Enjoy the ride! Mary Oliver did.

Anvilcloud said...

Nice sustained metaphor.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, I have enjoyed your post and Mary Oliver's poems! Happy Monday, enjoy your day and new week ahead.

Tabor said...

We have to make sure we enjoy the ride.

Joanne Noragon said...

And wonder about everything....

Debbie said...

have you ever heard the saying: “LIfe's Journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting “Holy moly, what a ride!”

yep, that's what i want!!!

Elephant's Child said...

I love your response - as I am sure the poet would too.

Bill said...

Perfect, a well written response Marie.

Jenn said...

Love it...what a perfect response.

Angela said...

It's sad when we all have to say goodbye forever to a talented person like the Poet Mary Oliver.

Anonymous said...

Very nice! Keep on living each day to the fullest. Andrea

DJan said...

Mary Oliver is one of my favorite poets. She lived a full and amazing life, but it will be a while before I will be able to stop feeling sad over having lost her. Love your post, your words are so perfect. Thank you, Marie.

Retired Knitter said...

Your response is so beautiful and wise and true. I would have a hard time answering that question myself.

Sandy said...

Beautiful response. I am so embroiled right now getting my Dad placed in a safe environment no clue about my own ride. I

Rhodesia said...

What a wonderful reply. Well done. Have a good day, Diane

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Mary Oliver would have enjoyed your words as much as you enjoyed hers Marie.. I know I did ✨

Down by the sea said...

A beautiful response to an amazing poet. Sarah x

photowannabe said...

Oh my, well said.
I'm going to hold on to that raft too.
I know I have been loved and that I love too.

William Kendall said...

Well said!

Lowcarb team member said...

What a beautiful and wonderfully written post … thank you.

All the best Jan

The Happy Whisk said...

Soak up every bit of sun while you can, for sure.