December 29, 2018

Mary Oliver at her best

HOW I GO TO THE WOODS

Ordinarily I go to the woods alone, with not a single
friend for they are all smilers and talkers, and therefore
unsuitable.

I don't really want to be witnessed talking to the catbird,
or hugging the old black oak tree.  I have my way of praying
as you no doubt have yours.

Besides, when I am alone I can become invisible.  I can sit
on the top of a dune as motionless as an uprise of weeds,
until the foxes run by unconcerned.  I can hear the almost
unhearable sound of the roses singing.

If you have ever gone to the woods with me, I must love you
very much.