Mary Oliver

I don't want to live a small life

I don't want to live a small life. Open your eyes,
open your hands. I have just come
from the berry fields, the sun

kissing me with its golden mouth all the way
(open your hands) and the wind-winged clouds
following along thinking perhaps I might

feed them, but no I carry these heart-shapes
only to you. Look how many how small
but so sweet and maybe the last gift

I will ever bring to anyone in this
world of hope and risk, so do.
Look at me. Open your life, open your hands.

~Mary Oliver

Mary Oliver used to live in the home of Edna St. Vincent Millay, my most favorite poet ever! No wonder I like her work. :)

Mary Oliver: Why I Wake Early
Savage Beauty: the life of Edna St. Vincent Millay She was the first woman to win a Pulitzer for poetry! And she had an open marriage! She's my hero.

More poetry here!