Last week, I shared one of my favorite poems: Wild Geese by Mary Oliver. Recently, Adrrie Kusserow wrote her own version of this poem.
As you read, think about how you might rewrite this poem during these times. What message do you have for yourself? What message do you have for the world? What might you let go of and what might you remind yourself of?
Mary Oliver for Corona Times
(Thoughts after the poem Wild Geese)
by Adrie Kusserow
You do not have to become totally zen,
you do not have to use this isolation to make your marriage better,
your body slimmer, your children more creative.
You do not have to “maximize its benefits”
by using this time to work even more,
write the bestselling Corona Diaries,
or preach the gospel of ZOOM.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body unlearn
everything capitalism has taught you,
(That you are nothing if not productive,
that consumption equals happiness,
that you are at your best when you resemble an efficient machine).
Tell me about your fictions, the ones you’ve been sold,
and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world as we know it is crumbling
Meanwhile The News barks at you, harsh and addicting.
Meanwhile a new paradigm is composing itself in our minds,
could birth at any moment if we clear some space
from the same tired hegemonies.
Remember, you are allowed to be still as the white birch,
stunned by what you see.
Even if your life looks nothing like the Sabbath,
your stress boa-constricting your chest.
Know that your antsy kids, your terror, your shifting moods,
your need for a drink have every right to be here,
remind yourself over and over,
all the swells and storms that run through your long tired body
all have their place here, now in this world.
It is your birthright to be held
deeply, warmly in the family of things,
not one cell left in the cold.
May you know that you are enough no matter what your days look like in these times. Remember to reach out to friends, family, and your pastors if you are wanting some company or are in need of being reminded of your importance in our family.