All the prayers I ever prayed for myself - distilled by the poet.

 

Whispered Poem

I have been risky in my endeavours,

I have been steadfast in my loves;

Oh Lord, consider these when you judge me.

Most of the words I've ever spoken in prayers about myself could probaly be distilled into these three lines. Don't ever tell me that prepared prayers are less spiritual than the spontaneous. Passion, devotion, consolation, contentment, reminiscence, self-knowledge, and humility with a hint of defiance - all in three lines.

The new collection of Mary Oliver's poems is too good, and too wise, to read through any other way than a carefully rationed poem a day.

 

 

Comments

[Jason Goroncy]

A must buy?

[Jim Gordon]

Well Jason, for me a Mary Oliver new collection is a must. I expect another collected volume will come some time. But there's something much more fun, and rewarding, following closely the thought and journey of a favourite poet, reading and listening with each new volume.