Poetry Sunday: The Sun by Mary Oliver
As I sat outside in the warmth of a winter sun I thought there must be a poem that expresses this feeling that it gives me, and if there is such a poem, it was probably written by Mary Oliver. So, I went looking for it and sure enough, here it is.
by Mary Oliver
Have you ever seen
anything
Have you ever seen
anything
in your life
more wonderful
than the way the sun,
every evening,
relaxed and easy,
floats toward the horizon
and into the clouds or the hills,
or the rumpled sea,
and is gone--
and how it slides again
out of the blackness,
every morning,
on the other side of the world,
like a red flower
streaming upward on its heavenly oils,
say, on a morning in early summer,
at its perfect imperial distance--
and have you ever felt for anything
such wild love--
do you think there is anywhere, in any
language,
a word billowing enough
for the pleasure
that fills you,
as the sun
reaches out,
as it warms you
as you stand there,
empty-handed--
or have you too
turned from this world--
or have you too
gone crazy
for power,
for things?
Giving the sun a personality makes it much more accessible. Thank you for this poem, one I had not known before.
ReplyDeleteThen I'm happy I was able to introduce you.
DeleteNothing like the sun's warmth and light...especially this time of year! Thanks for finding and sharing this lovely poem. :D
ReplyDeleteIt was just what I needed this week.
DeleteWe beg for the sun's warmth where I live at this time of year. And are so overjoyed when it makes an appearance and we can bask in the sun's love for a few hours. I love "streaming upwards on its heavenly oils". It does seem so effortless for the sun to float on its daily path. Loved this poem.
ReplyDeleteThe winter sun seems friendly here in the South - the summer sun, not so much.
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