When I Am Among The Trees

I was reminded of this poem by my mom in a family letter--it's written by Mary Oliver. Thought I'd share it with you--it's one of my favorites (could it be because it's about trees?!).

When I am among the trees,

especially the beech, the oaks and the pines,

they give off such hints of gladness.

I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself

in which I have goodness, and discernment,

and never hurry through the world

but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves

and call out,

"Stay awhile."

The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, "It's simple," they say,

"and you too have come

into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled

with light, and to shine."

Favorite lines: "walk slowly, and bow often" & "It's simple...and you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine."