Sunrise by Mary Oliver

 

You can
die for it--
an idea,
or the world. People

have done so,
brilliantly,
letting
their small bodies be bound

to the stake,
creating
an unforgettable
fury of light. But

this morning,
climbing the familiar hills
in the familiar
fabric of dawn, I thought

of China,
and India

and Europe, and I thought
how the sun

blazes
for everyone just
so joyfully
as it rises

under the lashes
of my own eyes, and I thought
I am so many!
What is my name?

What is the name
of the deep breath I would take
over and over
for all of us? Call it

whatever you want, it is
happiness, it is another one
of the ways to enter
fire.

Today, as the sunrises under your lashes and you breathe the full, fragrant breath of life, may your heart be gladdened with wonder, serenity, opportunity, oneness. And may a spirit of gratitude steep deep and slow in your bones. Have a lovely day! Peggy

Music: Intermezzo from Cavalaria Rusticana, Mascagni