The Journey

DenaFebruary 17, 2010

by Mary Oliver

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.

sunset, flower

Dear Friends,

Tonight I simply want to remind you that every journey starts with a single step.

Love,
Dena

Comments (2)

  • David Damron

    February 21, 2010 at 11:57 pm

    I am reminded of a quote whose origin I am unsure of….

    You can only save others once you save yourself.

    If you can find balance and happiness in your own life, then you can start helping others.

    David Damron
    The Minimalist Path

    1. Dena

      February 24, 2010 at 10:40 am

      I love that quote, Dave. It is really inspirational. Happiness IS helping others. I completely agree.

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