One
The mosquito is so small
it takes almost nothing to ruin it.
Each leaf, the same.
And the black ant, hurrying.
So many lives, so many fortunes!
Every morning, I walk softly and with forward glances
down to the ponds and through the pinewoods.
Mushrooms, even, have but a brief hour
before the slug creeps to the feast,
before the pine needles hustle down
under the bundles of harsh, beneficent rain.
How many, how many, how many
make up a world!
And then I think of that old idea: the singular
and the eternal.
One cup, in which everything is swirled
back to the color of the sea and sky.
Imagine it!
A shining cup, surely!
In the moment in which there is no wind
over your shoulder,
you stare down into it,
and there you are,
your own darling face, your own eyes.
And then the wind, not thinking of you, just passes by,
touching the ant, the mosquito, the leaf,
and you know what else!
How blue is the sea, how blue is the sky,
how blue and tiny and redeemable everything is, even you,
even your eyes, even your imagination.
- Mary Oliver (1935 - )
Beautiful! Words and image! They fit perfectly!
Posted by: Liz Jones | September 30, 2007 at 02:39 PM
I love the shining effect! and I read your texts aloud with feelings.
Posted by: isay | September 30, 2007 at 02:50 PM
Another nice coming together of art and poetry: tranquil, quiet, misty. Beautiful use of colour and texture.
Posted by: andrea | September 30, 2007 at 04:53 PM
Love the colors!
Posted by: Angela Rockett | September 30, 2007 at 05:31 PM
Nice illo and poem:)
Posted by: bookbabie | September 30, 2007 at 05:40 PM
I love how she fits and almost blends in with her world. She is part of nature as she sits there so comfortably enjoying her day. I love the feeling of this! I love the peacefulness, her contentment and the awareness of her thoughts that you shared with us by combining the painting with this wonderful poem! :) You have really inspired me with these colors too!
Posted by: Valaine | September 30, 2007 at 06:45 PM
Your painting echos the words of this beautiful poem. This is always a place where one can find feeling and peace. Beautiful.
Posted by: gingerpixels | September 30, 2007 at 06:50 PM
What a lovely image! Delightful.
Posted by: Digital Scott | September 30, 2007 at 08:11 PM
Perfect - I love these colors together!
Posted by: Brandi PowellB | September 30, 2007 at 09:25 PM
Lovely piece carla. It's a nice contrast of colors, especially having her be in blue tones against the softer greens. A great post for this week :)
Posted by: studio lolo | October 01, 2007 at 02:06 AM