'Every morning, so far, I’m alive.'
I have reached a plateau on my journey
where I stop awhile and look around,
admiring the long view of the landscapes
I travelled on the way, spread for my gaze.
I can pick out houses where I lived, in
towns or cities or rural retreats; I can see
favourite mountains, rivers, trees … and
certain ocean vistas I thought of as mine.
The unfolding past is populated. I walk
again with old companions, conversing,
sharing adventures; laughing with many,
crying for some. Plenty are still here now.
One person’s life. No-one else can know it
quite the same. In another way, everyone
shares it all – the same drives and necessities,
the ups and the downs, the wild unexpected.
I like the paths my steps have taken,
by and large – having survived the mis-steps
and false directions. Every morning, so far,
I’m alive. I rise, go on, explore further.
Note: The title is a direct quotation from Mary Oliver's poem, 'Landscape'.
This piece was written for Weekly Scribblings #52 at Poets and Storytellers United: Something About Mary, where the prompt is to write something based on a line or phrase from that particular poem.
I was tempted to use a line as a title and let a poem develop from it, but the crows enchanted me in another direction! The line you chose is so true for all of us, but you have made it personal to you, Rosemary, while also riffing on the ‘landscape’ theme, with the plateau and the view. So poignant, It made me tearful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a compliment! `Thank you, Kim.
DeleteI really like the last stanza, the way it sings of perseverance (and, in a way, hope). In the second stanza, I enjoyed the dance between "retreats" and "trees". They sing so well together.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Arriving at this point is quite interesting!
DeleteI think this has a lot of Oliver's spirit of joy, as well as a sprinkle of gentle humor. So many things feel relatable, and that allows us to share the warm feelings of the speak too. This was a delight to read.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteA beautifully expressed life story, Rosemary. The last stanza would imply that you have arrived at that good place of contentment, forgiving yourself for mis-steps, and still with energy and enthusiasm for what life has yet to offer. A compelling write!
ReplyDeleteI strongly suspect, Bev, that you know exactly what I'm talking about.
DeleteBeautiful poem and very creative using the line for your title
ReplyDeleteBravo
Much💝love
Delighted you think so, Gillena.
DeleteIt was beautiful, as Kim stated. Made me think of my own vistas.
ReplyDeleteI think it's nice to reflect on them from time to time. I wouldn't want to dwell wholly in my past, but neither would I want to lose it.
DeleteRosemary, I am glad that you are still alive. I once wrote a blog post about my nine lives, I cannot remember whether or not I had used all but one or had reached the ninth. http://jimmiehov.blogspot.com/2006/01/my-nine-lives-or-my-near-death.html
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting, I liked Mary Oliver. I did have her book about Poetry Writing for quite a while, even then I didn't get it all studied.
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I couldn't finish her book on poetry writing either, but I love her actual poetry very much.
DeleteAlive is one of the best places to be that I know! Thanks for your familiar houses, mountains, rivers, and trees. I have mine too, and they are precious.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, life and memories are very precious.
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