I read the poems while on my visit to Lake Bonny park this afternoon. It was quite relaxing and very beautiful wording. The poetry was very calming and painted an image of nature and God tied together. I agree with Professor Corrigan that Poetry is Prayer. I never really put it in that aspect before until recently. I love journaling it brings such peace and clarity to my mind when I pray to God. It helps me focus and not get side tracked and I feel a bit more closer to my Jesus. Sitting and mediating are very productive. I guess in a way it is poetry whether I realized it or not... hmm.
My favorite poem by Mary Oliver is titled "Walking Home from Oak-Head" because it reminds me of home, Syracuse. "There is something about the snow-laden sky in winter in the late afternoon." That is beautiful. I loved looking out at fresh, clean, crisp, fallen snow... It sparkles with such innocence and brilliance, and clothes the ground with a new white clothe. How amazing is Gods creation in that?! How marvelous are his works! The coldness that comes with the snow brings your lungs to a fresh taste of clean air.
I always stand and amazed at our beautiful creator every day when I look around. Even being down here in Florida, God shows me beauty in such small and detailed ways.
Just like the clouds are not just clouds, they paint an image and entertain us.
"Oh, feed this day, Holy Spirit, with the fragrance of the fields and the freshness of the oceans which you have made, and help me to hear and to hold in all dearness those exacting and wonderful words for our Lord Christ Jesus, saying: Follow me." Mary Oliver from 'Six Recognitions of the Lord.' This is a cry for my heart and I feel for my hearts. Those words pierced through my heart. Being with the Lord is truly the best feeling in the World! No matter what the heart is going through and no matter what situations are presented Jesus gives peace beyond peace and understanding. His love runs deeper then the rivers and oceans. His love goes beyond patience and obedience.
Overall, this poems spoke to my heart :)
I'm glad for what you are getting out of these poems.
ReplyDeleteThe "Oak-Head" poem really is a good one. Sometimes students don't get that; I guess, for many of them, it's because of the lack of having walked through snow as she describes.
I grew up in Massachusetts (at least until I was 8) so, like you, though perhaps not as strongly, I can connect with the image and the scene as well.
Also, the lines you quote from "Six Recognitions of the Lord" pierce me as well. Amen.