Such Singing in the Wild Branches
By Mary Oliver
It was spring
and finally I heard him
among the first leaves—
then I saw him clutching the limb
in an island of shade
with his red-brown feathers
all trim and neat for the new year.
First, I stood still
and thought of nothing.
Then I began to listen.
Then I was filled with gladness—
and that’s when it happened,
when I seemed to float,
to be, myself, a wing or a tree—
and I began to understand
what the bird was saying,
and the sands in the glass
stopped
for a pure white moment
while gravity sprinkled upward
like rain, rising,
and in fact
it became difficult to tell just what it was that was singing—
it was the thrush for sure, but it seemed
not a single thrush, but himself, and all his brothers,
and also the trees around them,
as well as the gliding, long-tailed clouds
in the perfectly blue sky— all, all of them
were singing.
And, of course, yes, so it seemed,
so was I.
Such soft and solemn and perfect music doesn’t last
for more than a few moments.
It’s one of those magical places wise people
like to talk about.
One of the things they say about it, that is true,
is that, once you’ve been there,
you’re there forever.
Listen, everyone has a chance.
Is it spring, is it morning?
Are there trees near you,
and does your own soul need comforting?
Quick, then— open the door and fly on your heavy feet; the song
may already be drifting away.
Lord Jesus, “Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes.” ~a line form a Matt Redman song
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come… ~Song of Songs 2:12a ✝
Sacred Touches 
Pingback: 312. It’s the vernal equinox and “Spring has returned. The earth is like a child that knows poems.” ~Ranier Maria Rilke | Sacred Touches
The poem by Mary Oliver captures the Spring welcome I experienced while walking through the city park this morning–so fresh, inspiring! Thanks Natalie for matching words to the day!
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Oh good, Laura, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I sat out for a bit on my porch and hearing the birds singing was sweet music to my ears too. Praise God and His lovely creatures. Blessings, Natalie 🙂
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Natalie, many thanks for the visit and like on my blog. I hope you will return again soon and often. Big smiles and blessings to you !
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You are so welcome. I just clicked to follow you as well and am looking forward to more of your posts. Big smiles and blessings back to you! 🙂
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Happy Spring to you!!!
I should note that Lewis Grizzard was actually from Moreland which is just about 30 minutes down the road from me—and of course sang the praises of my, as well as his, beloved alma mater,
THE University of Georgia 🙂
and do I spy a brown thrasher of sorts in that picture?? The state bird of Georgia??—if I didn’t know better Natalie, I’d say you’ve got “Georgia on your mind”….oh dear, now I’m hearing Ray Charles. . .
Hugs to you this first day of Spring!!!
singing cookie
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It said it was a thrush, but what do I know. I don’t think I’ve seen those here. I love Ray’s “Georgia on my Mind” and would like to visit Georgia some day, missy. Who knows maybe I’ll come see you when I do. Hugs to you too on this first day of spring, my friend. Songtress, Natalie 🙂 🙂 🙂
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that would be grand! I had wished I could have gotten you down to San Antonio but perhaps we’ll save that for another time—Spring in Georgia is a very special time–
Hugs to you–
a sweet little georgia peachy cookie
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I’d love to have come to meet up with you guys, but it looks like I’m going to have to have a knee replacement. I’ve been hobbling around for weeks on a cane and the doc said today it was time to see an Orthopedic surgeon. So I’m off to see him next Tuesday. At age 71 and after having had a stroke, I’m not wild about having to have surgery, but I’m in too much pain not to get something done. I want you to know that ever since your spider story I’ve been feeling things crawl all over me. I sure hope they aren’t spiders!!!! Heeheehee
Hugs, Peachy
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Loving your posts Natalie … thank you so much for sharing them and pray that you are all right. May God continue to pour His comfort into you xxx
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Thank you, Liana. I’m okay for now, but may have to have a knee replacement soon. I’m glad you enjoy my posts. Blessings and hugs, Natalie 🙂
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All in the Lord’s hands xxx
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Yes, it is, Liana, and there are no better hands for it to be in. Blessings, Natalie 🙂
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I’d love to have come to meet up with you guys, but it looks like I’m going to have to have a knee replacement. I’ve been hobbling around for weeks on a cane and the doc said today it was time to see an Orthopedic surgeon. So I’m off to see him next Tuesday. At age 71 and after having had a stroke, I’m not wild about having to have surgery, but I’m in too much pain not to get something done. I want you to know that ever since your spider story I’ve been feeling things crawl all over me. I sure hope they are spiders!!!! Heeheehee
Hugs, Peachy
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Reblogged this on Teacher as Transformer and commented:
I love Mary Oliver’s poetry. She writes in a purely joyful way about those things that are readily available in daily life and often overlooked.
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Thanks for the reblogg. You’re the one who introduced me to Mary Oliver, and I’m so glad you did. I love her work. Blessings, Natalie 🙂
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I am glad you enjoy. She is one of my favourites. There is a simplicity in her words that touch me. Take care and you are welcome Natalie.
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Lovely posting. I will be passing this along to some friends today 🙂
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Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Blessings, Natalie 🙂
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