10 September 2009

My Work Is Loving the World

"My work is loving the world.
Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird —
equal seekers of sweetness.

Here the quickening yeast;
there the blue plums.
Here the clam deep in the speckled sand.

Are my boots old? Is my coat torn?
Am I no longer young, and still not half-perfect? Let me
Keep my mind on what matters,which is my work
which is mostly standing still and learning to be astonished."
—from "Messenger" in Thirst (2006), Mary Oliver

Image: Sunset Over Paris by KMSF on Flickr, via 315 Thomas

2 comments:

BALLET NEWS said...

So... this is SUCH a clever post & you have the most gorgeously brilliant site here. It's all perfect !

I had to stop by to leave this comment for you – and to say hello of course ! Thank you for sharing it all and have a great Sunday....

Crystal @ Plush Palate said...

Thanks for sharing this beautiful poem with us and the stunning image to go with it! I love the part about no longer being young but not yet half perfect.

Have a lovely evening*