Massachusetts poet Mary Oliver recently released another collection of her nature and prose poems. One of the most gratifying comforts I derive from her words is the gentle way in which she reminds us just how accessible experiences in nature are and that we can stop to take notice of its awe and beauty before our eyes and ears in just about any given time or place.
How I Go to the Woods - Mary Oliver (Swan)
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 catbirds 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.