I too am saddened to hear about your sorrow for your grandmother, Janelle. And I too wonder if you've read Mary Oliver? Her voice speaks to me - and so so many - about sorrow and loss and beauty and joy and finding our place in the world.
Here's her Wild Geese, just in case you've never read it.
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -
Thank you so much, Angela. Mary Oliver is a recent discovery for me. I think actually thanks to writers here on Substack. Thank you for sharing Wild Geese. I will re-read this again today aloud and sit with these words. Nikita Gill has also written a homage to Wild Geese called The Fawn which I've found comfort in and recently sent to a friend who's struggling. https://www.tumblr.com/julesofnature/717017996915245056/the-fawn-after-mary-olivers-wild-geese-you
So sorry to read of the passing of your beloved grandma, Janelle. Sending you a big warm hug 🧡. Such a sweet poem you wrote for her. It mirrors the love-filled, warm, and amazing human she was and the relationship you two shared. She will forever live on in your heart and memories.
Then I am stunned and inspired by your way of looking at writing your own poems. Writing a list rather than overthinking the term ‚poem‘. Thank you so much for sharing that wisdom. ✨💫✨
Your list for your Grandma Phyl is so tender and filled with love—it made me think of the little things that make our loved ones so special. Keep writing and sharing; it’s a gift to us all. 💛
Thank you, Susan. It's only been in the past year or so that I've discovered Mary Oliver's poetry. Thank you for the suggestion. I have indeed found healing and comfort in her writing. I was reading some of her poems aloud yesterday, actually. I've just subscribed to Nelly's. Really looking forward to exploring. Take care
Oh Janelle, this is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing this. Your poem-list made me tear up it was so moving. I love that you’ve found solace in poetry lately. Although I’m sorry to hear things have been stormy…
Poetry’s been a go-to of mine since I was a kid - I’d often write little poems to express thoughts and feelings. I don’t know how or why it just came more naturally than having a conversation with another human. 🙈 I love reading it too. Keep sharing. 🤍
I too am saddened to hear about your sorrow for your grandmother, Janelle. And I too wonder if you've read Mary Oliver? Her voice speaks to me - and so so many - about sorrow and loss and beauty and joy and finding our place in the world.
Here's her Wild Geese, just in case you've never read it.
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
Thank you so much, Angela. Mary Oliver is a recent discovery for me. I think actually thanks to writers here on Substack. Thank you for sharing Wild Geese. I will re-read this again today aloud and sit with these words. Nikita Gill has also written a homage to Wild Geese called The Fawn which I've found comfort in and recently sent to a friend who's struggling. https://www.tumblr.com/julesofnature/717017996915245056/the-fawn-after-mary-olivers-wild-geese-you
I love Nikita Gill but I didn't know this poem. Thank you so much for it, Janelle x
So sorry to read of the passing of your beloved grandma, Janelle. Sending you a big warm hug 🧡. Such a sweet poem you wrote for her. It mirrors the love-filled, warm, and amazing human she was and the relationship you two shared. She will forever live on in your heart and memories.
Then I am stunned and inspired by your way of looking at writing your own poems. Writing a list rather than overthinking the term ‚poem‘. Thank you so much for sharing that wisdom. ✨💫✨
Thank you so much
Your list for your Grandma Phyl is so tender and filled with love—it made me think of the little things that make our loved ones so special. Keep writing and sharing; it’s a gift to us all. 💛
Those little things mean the world don't they? It has meant a lot to reflect on and celebrate some of these. Thank you Mohika
Sorry to hear about your grandmother, Janelle.
Thank you, Raveen
Thank you for this. Beautiful. I used to read, and attempt to write poetry. But, it's been awhile. Have you read Mary Oliver?
Also, here on Substack, you might like Nelly Bryce's Poetry Pals.
Take care,
Susan
Thank you, Susan. It's only been in the past year or so that I've discovered Mary Oliver's poetry. Thank you for the suggestion. I have indeed found healing and comfort in her writing. I was reading some of her poems aloud yesterday, actually. I've just subscribed to Nelly's. Really looking forward to exploring. Take care
Oh Janelle, this is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing this. Your poem-list made me tear up it was so moving. I love that you’ve found solace in poetry lately. Although I’m sorry to hear things have been stormy…
Poetry’s been a go-to of mine since I was a kid - I’d often write little poems to express thoughts and feelings. I don’t know how or why it just came more naturally than having a conversation with another human. 🙈 I love reading it too. Keep sharing. 🤍
Aw Keeley you've always been a deep thinker and a poet by the sounds of it.
Thank you for the kind message. I'm so glad I've found my way in because I've really found support in these words and rhythms.
So sorry about your Grandma Janelle, sending you lots of love ♥