The final two lines of Mary Oliver’s ubiquitous poem, “The Summer Day” have been haunting me the last week or so. (You may read the poem in its entirety here.)
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do
With your one wild and precious life?”
Uncertainty and fear surround us daily, yet I can’t help but think that this moment provides an opportunity for each of us to accomplish something during this unprecedented “wild and precious” time. Maybe something big, or perhaps something small that relates directly to our current situation like…
- volunteering
- sewing masks
- safely checking in on neighbors
- staying in touch with family
- rekindling friendships
Or even things like reading that book you’ve always wanted to read, or practicing your water coloring or poetry writing skills, getting the yard spring ready, visiting that trail you’ve always wanted to walk on.
When the light at the end of the tunnel appears, and it will, what will I have done? I don’t want to reach the other side and think I really wish I had…
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Thanks for wondering and wandering a bit with me today and every day this month. Many thanks to the crew at Two Writing Teachers, and the extended SOL community, for giving us the time, space, and encouragement to live the writerly life here every day during March and each Tuesday throughout the year! Some of you I will see tomorrow for the launch of #NationalPoetryMonth and my #ThoreaulyInspired daily poem project, and for the rest of you, I hope to see you back here in a week. Be safe. Be well.
I hadn’t thought of this time as wild and precious. Thank you for giving me the chance to reflect on it differently.
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You offered a lot to think about. This time gives all of us pause. Thanks for the reminder.
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Thank you for helping me reframe this time. I know you will be busy with those poems for sure!
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Christie, this life seems more like crazy and unpredictable. I’ve been writing daily as a way to cope with all different kinds of emotions as I react to #QuarantineLife. Poetry soothes my soul and nature nurtures. Thanks for the Mary Oliver quote it is one to ponder. I am starting a new venture tomorrow for National Poetry Month. Please take a look if you have time.
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