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The Journey by poet Mary Oliver
I ran across the poem “The Journey” by Mary Oliver which is profound in its own right, and even more so for me now after the discussion on our Ask Sister podcast about how to deal with people who criticize or mock one’s choices in life (see last episode, AS072 Ask Sister). Sister Maxine and I talked a bit about how we’ve experienced this in our own lives, not just with our choice to be Catholic sisters, but also with other areas of our life.
Here’s the poem … you can read it or listen to Maria Shriver (who says this is her favorite poem) recite the poem (see video below). As you make your way through the poem, pay attention to the lines that pop out to you, or that linger …
In what ways does this poem speak of your calling, your vocation in life?
The Journey
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice –
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
“Mend my life!”
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do –
determined to save
the only life you could save.~ by Mary Oliver in Dream Work (1994)
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{ 5 comments }
Since discovering this poem many years ago it has always been one of my favorites. And its interesting that I should be thinking of finding “that poem by Mary Oliver” and then here it is, posted in the anunslife blog for today! I think I stumbled upon this poem when I was in the process of deciding to leave a relationship. By leaving I was also making the decision to move forward with my life with acceptance and love. It was not easy but by doing so I found myself and discovered a gift that I celebrate each day.
Sister Julie. This poem is simply amazing. Thanks to your post, and because of God’s Will, no doubt in this, it appears in my life during a moment of change, when I have to learn to let go, and move foward, to experience my own happiness, not depending on anything or anyone. I’ve learned to enjoy and find in poetry, messages that are concise and advice you to perceive your own instinct; to follow your own path.
Now that I remember, I read for my highschool graduation Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken”, this was 11 years ago…and truly, choosing the one less traveled by, “has made all the difference” in my life.
Beautiful reminder!
I can’t help but really think of and pray for Maria Shriver and this life transition she and her family is experiencing now. I hope that the poem, whose words seem very timely still, brings her affirmation.
Does one ever really know what they have to do and when they have to do it? The road is full of fallen branches and stones and little by little we make our way along the path, the winding road to our salvation, but when will it be known our true purpose? That takes true insight, which is more often than not hindsight. But sometimes in looking back we get a glimpse of what lies ahead. “Mend my life” each voice cried – what if that is the journey? To help people mend their lives so that they in turn can help others do the same. I refuse to believe that mine is the only life I can save. I am a teacher and although I cannot save everyone I can save some and WILL! Although I disagree with the inherent loneliness of this poem it has definitely stirred a passion in me for my calling – to help children help others. Thanks for sharing, APE
I love Mary Oliver’s work. It always “speaks” to me. Thanks Julie