Sunday 29 October 2017

Pay Attention


Praying
By Mary Oliver

                                    It doesn’t have to be
                                    the blue iris, it could be
                                    weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
                                    small stones; just
                                    pay attention, then patch

                                    a few words together and don’t try
                                    to make them elaborate, this isn’t
                                    a contest but the doorway

                                    into thanks, and a silence in which
                                    another voice may speak.

From Devotions/The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver
(Penguin Press, 2017)

The arrival of a new collection of poetry by Mary Oliver is always cause for celebration. Two weeks ago, Devotions landed in the mailbox, and I have been measuring out a few poems each night to make them last. I find Oliver to be emotionally accessible, yet her accessibility should never be confused for a lack of depth. Her advice to “patch a few words together and don’t try to make them elaborate” is wise indeed – Alice Munro's approach.

And so this week, I shall try to channel Mary Oliver’s advice – I’ll say a few things about the photos and then step back to let them speak for themselves.

We’ve had gloriously beautiful autumn weather lately, perfect for photography. I’ve had two good wanders lately, one exploring the shoreline of the Bay of Quinte near Point Anne and the other walking along Meyers Creek Road near Trenton, with side trips to Airport Road and Bonisteel Road – excellent opportunities to pay attention and listen to other voices.


I hope you enjoy the images.


Point Anne


Point Anne


Point Anne


Meyers Creek Road


Meyers Creek Road


Meyers Creek Road


Meyers Creek Road


Airport Road


Bonisteel Road








1 comment:

  1. Mary Oliver's prayer of thanks, and your reflection of your thankfulness. A good place to spend time. Thanks, as always for your vision.

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