It’s going to reach the fifties today. I can hear some birds singing.
Time to share this poem by the late, great Mary Oliver:
Such Singing in the Wild Branches
It was spring
and I finally 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
and 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 perfect blue sky–––all of them
were singing.
And, of course, 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.
Mary Oliver
Spring is coming. There is still a lot of snow on the ground here. But we can sense it.
Happy Monday.
Oh, I love that. Thanks.
You’re welcome!
Yes! Spring is coming! May take a bit to melt all the snow…but…I have hope! ;)
We had some melt yesterday and I expect more today!
Hope Spring is just around the corner for you, Claudia, and all of you who went through a rough weather winter. With the next week and a half of sunny skies and mid- to high 60’s (even a 70 in a week), it seems Spring has sprung here already. I know not to be tricked by Mother Nature, however, as rain and cold can creep right back in. For now, I’m enjoying the sunshine!
Maybe not right around the corner, but soon.
Thank you for Mary’s poem. It was one I am not familiar with. And yes, I can feel a bit of Spring here in North West Jersey as well. The sun is a bit brighter too.
Yes, it is! Isn’t that wonderful?
This morning they show a 57* on the weather forecast for Thursday. With the abundance of snow remaining on the ground, I want to be a believer, but I have my doubts. I want to be proven wrong so badly. We have begun to hear the birdsong. Ever so slightly, but it is there. Hope does, indeed, spring eternal!!
I think we’re going to hit 60 degrees one day this week. It won’t stick, but it will sure feel nice while it lasts!
Oh, you know how much I love Mary Oliver. My favorite. In fact, this poem made me tear up. Great poetry does that to me.
It is still only in the 30’s here today but the sun came out this afternoon. My backyard is still an ice rink. But I swear…when I stepped outside today, I could smell that the air was different. And there were birds singing. Soon, soon…for both of us.
That change in the scent of the air is hope-giving.
So beautiful! My Dad would listen for Thrushes every Spring.
Lovely, Vera!
I’m so grateful for those who can say so beautifully what we feel in our hearts but could never find the words to say. Thank you Claudia for all you share.
You are very welcome!
What a beautiful poem. Spring is coming and I can feel it here in Georgia. Trying to get a few last minute things done before leaving for Calif on Wed. I got my hair trimmed and it feels good. I looked for a necklace to go with my new outfit and found one I thought was pretty but was $32 which is almost more then I paid for the new shirt and jacket I bought. So no. I have pearls I will try instead. Getting very excited to see Ashleigh!
So exciting! How long will you be gone?
We will fly back Sunday night. Can’t wait to see Ashleigh.
xoxo
Lovely poem. I saw quite a few chippies but no Cardinals today. Last week there were three Blue Jays in the back yard. Enjoy the nice weather.
Marilyn
Isn’t it wonderful to see the birds again?
It is a beautiful poem. Thank you. I try to sit on my porch every evening just to listen to the bird songs. I have about four feeders for the birds. So, they seldom disappoint me.
I’m so looking forward to spring mornings where there is a cacophony of bird song!
Lovey, lovely. A cardinal sings outside our windows every morning. Gives me hope the snow will be gone one day.
It will. It’s melting here, though it will take some time for it to go away entirely.
The robins can now splash and bathe in our (finally!) ice-free pond. And the chickadees serenaded us with “Hey, Phoebe” on this morning’s walk. Not to mention that my mini-daffs are showing a bit of their yellow skirts! If it wasn’t for the brutal first morning of daylight savings, I’d be in heaven enjoying these first bits of springtime.
I’m glad all of us are finally seeing springtime and the reawakening of hope after a very long winter! I’m enjoying hearing your reports from all over the country!
I’m going to fill the bird bath today. A sure sign of spring!
A mockingbird sits on the tiptop of a power pole in the corner of our yard, broadcasting song after song. So many beautiful melodies and rhythms, so glad to be up there singing to the world. And I am so glad to be listening. An inspired performance brings the audience along, gives us a taste of glory.
I really love that poem.
I really miss hearing a mockingbird. We had one outside our house in San Diego and it sang every evening. I loved it so. That bird is part of the reason we named our cottage Mockingbird Hill Cottage.
What a joyful poem…
It is. Thanks, Nancy.
It’s sad to think there will be no more new poems by Mary Oliver — but what a legacy. And perfect for the coming spring.
It is.