Wednesday, June 25, 2014

A Light-filled Spoon


My obsession with the poetry of Mary Oliver continues. Her beautiful spirit comes shining through every word she writes. While reading her poem, "Logos," this morning, I was reminded of a poem by another poet, Hafiz, the great Persian mystic. Deciding which to post proved too difficult so I'm including both. I hope you're having a beautiful summer, infused with Love.
 

"Your Beautiful Parched, Holy Mouth"

A poet is someone
Who can pour Light into a spoon,
Then raise it
To nourish
Your beautiful parched, holy mouth.

~ Hafiz   (from,  I Heard God Laughing, translation by Daniel Ladinsky)



"Logos"

Why worry about the loaves and fishes?
If you say the right words, the wine expands.
If you say them with love
and the felt ferocity of that love
and the felt necessity of that love,
the fish explode into many.
Imagine him, speaking,
and don’t worry about what is reality,
or what is plain, or what is mysterious.
If you were there, it was all those things.
If you can imagine it, it is all those things.
Eat, drink, be happy.
Accept the miracle.
Accept, too, each spoken word
spoken with love.

~Mary Oliver






Painting by Andrea Kowch, The Feast (detail).

22 comments:

  1. I am again astounded by the incredible power of these words. Mary Oliver has always spoken to me, but that first poem... amazing. Gobsmacked. :-)

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    1. I loved those lines from the first moment I read them ... Thanks, DJan!

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  2. Works like a chant or incantation. Meant to be recited aloud I would guess.

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    1. Poetry read aloud takes on new life and sometimes even meaning ... I agree. This one needs to be read aloud. Thanks, Tony.

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  3. Thank you for posting poetry from both sources. I like them very much.

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  4. I really like "Logos"!

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  5. Your beautiful parched, holy mouth.
    Soul stunning. :)

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  6. Where did you find the picture? I keep wondering if she's giving or taking what's in the spoon. :)

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    1. It's detail from a larger classic painting, but I've not been able to find my note telling me which one! Maybe we all do a bit of both ... :)

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  7. Teresa -- I feel your life is very mellow and wise. Always enjoy your poetry and photos -- and of course your nature posts. -- barbara

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    1. Thank you so much, Barbara. Your comment means a lot to me ...

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  8. I am blown away by the first poem, this Persian poet is new to me so I am very grateful to you for introducing him. Mary Oliver is probably my favourite poet and I have to say I don't remember reading the poem you have posted. So your post has cheered me up no end, thank you.

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    1. Oh, dear Cait, I am so glad I was able to introduce Hafiz to you. He's wonderful. And it's always a happy day when we find a new MO poem ...

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  9. No matter how long I may be away, my return is always greeted with something welcome. My visit today is no exception.

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    1. Oh, thank you, John. It's so good to see you again ...

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  10. Read twice. Enjoyed.

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  11. Rather exquisite wouldn't you say?

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