December 21, 2004

At Blackwater Pond

At Blackwater Pond
the tossed waters have settled
after a night of rain.
I dip my cupped hands.
I drink a long time.
It tastes like stone, leaves, fire.
It falls cold into my body,
waking the bones.
I hear them deep inside me,
whispering
oh what is that beautiful thing
that just happened?

Mary Oliver

***
When we are quiet, we may notice a gentle, yet powerful consciousness in the background. This is a benign love we all possess; a love always available, if we pause, cup our hands, dip them into the cool water, deliciously take the time to drink in this presence, and let it refresh our bones. It is a beautiful thing.

4 comments:

Darrell Grizzle said...

Mary Oliver's poetry continually amazes me. She is truly a modern mystic.

Darrell

Marjorie said...

you will never thirst

Meredith said...

Darrel, Al, and Marjorie,

I love that you resonated with Mary's poem the way I did. I always find joy in the last two lines:

Oh what is that beautiful
thing that just happened?

M

isaiah said...

I love Mary's poem...thanks for posting it and for another refreshing glimpse of the 'clear mind' that is behind all. Hope you have a blessed Christmas!