What happens
to the leaves after
they turn red and golden and fall
away? What happens
to the singing birds
when they can't sing
any longer? What happens
to their quick wings?
Do you think there is any
personal heaven
for any of us?
Do you think anyone,
the other side of that darkness,
will call to us, meaning us?
Beyond the trees
the foxes keep teaching their children
to live in the valley.
So they never seem to vanish, they are always there
in the blossom of the light
that stands up every morning
in the dark sky.
And over one more set of hills,
along the sea,
the last roses have opened their factories of sweetness
and are giving it back to the world.
If I had another life
I would want to spend it all on some
unstinting happiness.
I would be a fox, or a tree
full of waving branches.
I wouldn't mind being a rose
in a field full of roses.
Fear has not yet occurred to them, nor ambition.
Reason they have not yet thought of.
Neither do they ask how long they must be roses, and then what.
Or any other foolish question.
Mary Oliver
Dedicated to Arthur Remanjon Feb. 3 1955 - Sep.2 2009
Thank you for all that you have given all of us who have had the privilege to have known you. Our lives have been enriched by your unbounding joy, exuberance, wit, amazing talent and endless love and compassion.
Your life will remain a fine example of a life well lived.
Rest in peace
3 comments:
Was Arthur a relative m'dear? If so I am sorry for your loss. x
WOW! I just looked at his work...made me weep!
Hi Akela-
No Arthur was a dear friend and an amazingly talented individual.
He will be missed so much by so many people.
It was a tragic accident on his motorcycle. He had just begun to ride this summer.
It left so many of us shaking our heads in dismay.
Thanks for you thoughts Akela and Steve. Stay connected.
Love you both.
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