It’s hard to know what to say about our country and the world in 2026. I’m repeatedly struck dumb, horrified, paralyzed by the worst of situations, events, governance. What can we say that we haven’t said before? Why are so many not listening? And why are those who have the power and responsibility to do something doing nothing?
What can I say? I’m figuring that out on a daily basis, and in the meantime, I often turn to poets and peacemakers like Mary Oliver. (Thanks to my youngest daughter for bringing this one to my attention.)
by Mary Oliver
What can I say that I have not said before?
So I’ll say it again.
The leaf has a song in it.
Stone is the face of patience.
Inside the river there is an unfinishable story
and you are somewhere in it
and it will never end until all ends.
Take your busy heart to the art museum and the
chamber of commerce
but take it also to the forest.
….
(Read the rest here.)
~~~~~~~~~~
The Poetry Friday round-up this week is being hosted by Ruth at There is No Such Thing as a God-forsaken Town.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay and Nordseher.
10 comments:
The leaves are still singing, for sure. :) Your question about why those who have the power and responsibility are not doing something is an excellent question, and I hope we return to it (and bring it to their attention and primary them etc etc) as much as possible. May we be steady as the leaves xo
"...but take it also to the forest.
The song you heard singing in the leaf when you
were a child
is singing still."
Such a good reminder that, as much as the world feels heavy now, we can find the singing leaves if we listen. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you (and your youngest) for this poem today. I will indeed take my busy heart to the forest today (as soon as it stops raining lol) to try to find some kind of healing. I'll copy that first stanza to put in my pocket and repeat over and over again.
"May we be steady as the leaves” — yes. Thanks, Tabatha.
Cathy, yes, I always find Oliver to be a balm and a reminder.
Oh, Mary, Lee, I love the idea of that first stanza traveling with you in the forest. ❤️
"Stone is the face of patience" hit me so strongly, as did the wisdom we can always glean from Mary Oliver and from the forest. Thank you, Mary Lee!
Thank you, Cathy!!!
Mary Oliver always takes us where we need to be, so thank you, Karen, & your daughter, for bringing an added support for nature's healing. We had quite a bit of snow last night & this morning, so needed, but all I can think is that Nicole Good can never see the wonder of nature's gifts again. I am so sad for her and for her family missing her to their depths.
A timeless reminder, always relevant. Thank you for sharing, Karen!
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