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.