From the complications of loving you
I think there is no end or return.
No answer, no coming out of it.
Which is the only way to love, isn’t it?
This isn’t a play ground, this is
earth, our heaven, for a while.
Therefore I have given precedence
to all my sudden, sullen, dark moods
that hold you in the center of my world.
And I say to my body: grow thinner still.
And I say to my fingers, type me a pretty song.
And I say to my heart: rave on.
– Mary Oliver, Thirst
Happy Birthday to Mary Oliver (born September 10, 1935) who turns 80 today. Rave on, Mary, rave on.
(If you too love Mary’s work, don’t miss the post “Poems, Prayers, and Mary Oliver” featured at LoraKim Joyner’s A Year’s Risings with Mary Oliver. The blog is a “must follow” for Mary Oliver fans; while it’s not often updated, there are plenty of posts and poems to read in her archives.)
Words for the Year 
Happy birthday, Mary Oliver. I am so glad she shares our planet!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ditto, my friend!
LikeLike
rave on mary!
i love this particular poem so…it felt like permission to me to allow my feelings to be, to grieve and “grow thinner still”.
happy happy happy birthday!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I remember when you shared this piece on your blog a while back. So so good.
That whole book–Thirst–ooph.
LikeLiked by 1 person
my anniversary, i think…..god i hope she keeps raving on for a while!
LikeLiked by 1 person
All I can think is — 1. Wow. Moved in deep places.—And 2. I want / I’d love to write like that…someday…
LikeLiked by 1 person
1. That first line… Ooph.
“From the complications of loving you
I think there is no end or return.”
2. What’s stopping you?
2 1/2. Someday is always arriving and never arrives. All we ever have is today. ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people