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Dominican Preaching through Word and Image
Mary Oliver’s Wisdom
Making the House Ready for the LordBy Mary OliverDear Lord, I have swept and I have washed butstill nothing is as shining as it should befor you. Under the sink, for example, is anuproar of mice –it is the season of theirmany children. What shall I do? And under the eavesand through the walls the squirrelshave gnawed their ragged entrances –but it is the seasonwhen they need shelter, so what shall I do? Andthe raccoon limps into the kitchen and opens the cupboardwhile the dog snores, the cat hugs the pillow;what shall I do? Beautiful is the new snow fallingin the yard and the fox who is staring boldlyup the path, to the door. And I still believe you willcome, Lord: you will, when I speak to the fox,the sparrow, the lost dog, the shivering sea-goose, knowthat really I am speaking to you whenever I say,
as I do all morning and afternoon: Come in, Come
Source:Thirst, by Mary Oliver. Boston: Beacon Press, 2006. p. 13 – Found on the Education for Justice website.
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What a beautiful poem! And what cleaning should be all about, making room for “creatures great and small”!
Indeed, Solveig. And doesn’t Mary Oliver have a wonderful way of expressing it. Of course, she is so wonderful at expressing many things!! Blessings on you day, Pat
I love the picture as well as the words. It us such clever framing.
Thank you, Rita. And I was grateful to the squirrel for providing the pose! 🙂
Mary Oliver is one of my favorite poets; thank you for sharing this…
Thank you, Christine. She’s one of my favorites too! Pat 🙂
Inspiring and delightful.
Thank you, Genie!!