postcards from paradise, walk slowly bow often

When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,

they give off such hints of gladness,
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, "Stay awhile."
The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, "It's simple," they say,

"and you too have come

into the world to do this,

to go easy, to be filled

with light, and to shine."

~ Mary Oliver ~

 

i cannot resist the company of trees. where the torch of early morning and equally

 just before sunset fills the last clinging leaves

igniting them in a cathedral of gladness.

how easily they glow with the inner light of standing still,

open armed, just their willingness to be filled

 makes it so.

i am five steps outside myself

standing in paradise. 

where dear friends, has following the light taken you?

postcards from paradise finding sacred in the ordinary.

a chance to visit others and leave a word of kindness along the way.

simply sign in with your postcards from paradise link

leave the words recuerda mi corazon 

on your post and link back so

more may join us.

 

Comments

[deb taylor]

oh to dance in your sunlight under these green feathers alongside you would be Heavenly. We are finally chasing some winter light here in Texas after a rainstorm and cool front!

[gemma]

Sunlight is streaming through the trees and into my windows right now. Love how trees and light play together.So lovely thank you rebecca.

[Ms. Moon]

Following the light takes me here, rebecca. Always.

[Sue Fox]

I cannot resist the company of you for your light shines far and wide and brightens the day of all who walk this way!

Sue x

[eb]

ahhhhhhhhh
in this light
this paradisaical LIGHT
I am walking with you...

xox - eb.

[Ramesh Sood]

This is lovely.. in my morning walks, I often touch or sometimes even hug trees.. for me they give great lessons of life.. the fundamental one being that of remaining in touch with ones roots..with feet firmly on the ground.. an enlightening poem this.. well Rebecca thanks for inviting me here.. I have linked my post..

[Fran aka Redondowriter]

I just got back from a weekend in Ojai but had to stop by and tell you how exquisite this post is, Mary Oliver's poem is, and how stunning these photos are. I'll gather my wits and post a few photos before bedtime.

[Tracy]

How the light in these images beguiles... As does Mary Oliver's word too, every beguiling and magical... *sigh*...Happy Day, Rebecca ((HUGS))

[deb]

ah... you always get me at the exact right time with Mary Oliver .
and light.
and your giving soul...

love to you Rebecca

[Irene]

Through your blog I feel that we walk together. Trees shade our way casting shadows. We each have stories for the shadows and the light. Sometimes our stories coincide as the willingness to open envelopes the moment. On the day my mother transitioned I sat in front of my house. Leaves from the ash trees fell as if time slowed to the pace of another world. A message from afar.

[leslie]

thank you, dear you, for this beautiful gift.