MOZART, for EXAMPLE
by Mary Oliver
All the quick notes
Mozart didn't have time to use
before he entered the cloud-boat
are falling now from the beaks
of the finches
that have gathered from the joyous summer
into the hard winter
and, like Mozart, they speak of nothing
but light and delight,
though it is true, the heavy blades of the world
are still pounding underneath.
And this is what you can do too, maybe,
if you live simply and with a lyrical heart
in the cumbered neighborhoods or even,
as Mozart sometimes managed to, in a palace,
offering tune after tune after tune,
making some hard-hearted prince
prudent and kind, just by being happy.
Master of the Rose Garden
Mistress of the Rose Garden
. . . And Their New Spring Chick
I would rather learn from one bird how to sing than teach 10,000 stars how not to dance.
e.e. cummings
Mary Oliver's poem, "Mozart, for Example," is found in Thirst: Poems by Mary Oliver (Beacon Press: Boston, 2006).
Those are amazing photos… through a "clean" window"? I know cardinals are flighty birds, hard to capture. Loved the poem - made me pull one of her books from my shelf and it will see me off to sleep. Again, REALLY stunning and I don't know if I've ever seen a cardinal "youngster" before.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely comment, Margaret. No, these were not shot through a window. They were shot in the garden from about 15 feet away with a 300mm telephoto. I just find a spot, plant my tripod, and remain very still until they develop enough trust to come and resume their daily activities. In bird photography, I find that patience and fortitude are critical to getting decent shots.
DeleteThis post makes my heart sing. Mary Oliver's conjured images of Mozart doing his thing in the courts of the high and noble, and of the finches in their simple (but complex) world, and yours of the cardinals all take my breath and give it, too.
ReplyDeleteFrom her lines
the heavy blades of the world
are still pounding underneath
I am reminded for some reason of Mother Theresa's words: “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.”
Just beautiful, George. I agree with Margaret that your photographs are fantastic, and although you make it sound simple, your patience and fortitude, along with a great artist's eye, reap great rewards.
Thanks so much, Ruth. If Mozart, Oliver, and my cardinal family can make your singing heart sing even more, I'm delighted. Yes, I especially like Oliver's recognition that "the heavy blades of the world are still pounding underneath." Happiness, however, seems to require that continue on with "a lyrical heart," knowing that, if we are happy, we will surely bring "light and delight" to others. Thanks also for the compliments on the photography. Sometimes the images work, sometimes they don't, but the remembrance of what we have seen always remains.
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always as melodious as the cardinal's song, George. I love your lyrical heart.
ReplyDeletePerhaps, as Oliver suggests, we too would do well to make the world a better place "just by being happy". Thank you for this ever-needed reminder to "live simply with a lyrical (and happy) heart". I am discovering that, often, all that is required is to ~stop~. Simplicity and a happy heart can emerge of their own accord when we just follow the example of the finches and the cardinals and stop to enjoy what is.
Your photographs are amazing, George. Like Margaret, I don't believe I have ever seen a cardinal chick before! Thank you for stopping long enough to digitally capture such a rare sight - and sharing it here!
Thanks for your kind and generous comments, Bonnie. Like you, and with considerable help from Zen Buddhist wisdom, I have come to realize that we have more control over our mind than we might imagine. Peace and joy come when I switch the mind into the "off" mode, empty myself of all preconceptions, and open myself to the unfolding miracles of the moments.
DeleteThanks also for the compliments on the photographs. This was also the first time for me to see the cardinal chick.
That chick is cute! (Not something I say very often). Being a tree-filled small village,the birdsong here is wonderfully relentless.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Sackerson, and thanks for the comment. Glad you liked the photos, and you're lucky in this world if you live in a tree-filled village with plenty of birdsong.
DeleteMary Oliver, e. e. cummings, and these beautiful cardinals ... what a magical combination ... your images are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Teresa, for the lovely comment. Glad you liked the words and images!
ReplyDeleteHello George, How lucky to have a Cardinal family sitting for their portraits in your rose garden. I'm not on the computer much these days - we were preparing the city house for sale this past month. You know how much work that is! Now I'm back in the mountains where there is still a mound of snow in my back garden. I enjoyed visiting your garden to see the colors of late spring. "Live simply and with a lyrical heart" - I like that!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Barb, for the lovely comment. Good luck on the real estate sale. Under the best of circumstances, it's a hassle these days. Just keep your spirits high and live each moment as it comes every day.
DeleteI didn't know this poem. I love Mozart, so great to read it. Lovely pictures too.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comments, Guillaume. Happy to introduce this poem to you, and glad that you also liked the photos. Here's hoping you will stop by again.
DeleteOh my soul, George!!! I am in Love! The baby Cardinal is irresistible.
ReplyDeleteGreat capture!
Thanks, Gwen. Always happy to assist someone falling in love with something irresistable.
DeletePoking around this morning looking for Thomas Merton stuff and found your blog....my blessing...
ReplyDeleteAnd blessings to you as well, Beto Ochoa. Hope you found something of value here, and please feel free to return and join the conversation.
DeleteI wrote this poem about Cardinals years ago for the little boys next door when they were shooting at songbirds with a BB Gun. I explained how the birds help us and that it is bad for us if they are interfered with. They never molested the birds again...I hope it is not untoward to share it here with these fantastic photos of these magnificent Birds...
ReplyDeleteThe Little House That Sways In The Wind
I know you don't know me but I am your friend
I live behind your house,
In the little house that sways in the wind.
I remember the day when you first came to stay
At the house on the corner of fifteenth and main.
I sang you my song and fluffed up my fluff
To show you I’m little but I’m very tough.
I know you don't know me but I am your friend
I live in the little house that sways in the wind.
I watched as you played when the weather was nice
And as the snow covered the ground once or twice.
I laughed as you ran like a cat from the rain
And was sad when you fell, crying in pain.
I know you don't know me but I am your friend
I live in the little house that sways in the wind.
I see you each day that you set off to school
And welcome you back in the mid-afternoon.
I look for you putting the seed out to share
And sing my song clearly so you’ll know I’m there.
I know you don't know me but I am your friend
I live behind your house,
In the little house that sways in the wind.
~
A very lovely poem, Beto Ochoa. Thanks for sharing it!
Delete