Wild Geese By Mary Oliver

“Wild Geese” is a poem about human vulnerability. The beautifully and gently crafted words put the pressures and difficulties of everyday life into perspective. The poet expresses the burden people feel to be “good” and also notes that everyone inevitably experiences “despair” or loneliness from time to time. It is an inspiring, soothing and heart opening listen. This reading makes a beautiful reflection to use before or after your meditation or yoga practice. I wanted to share this beautiful, touching piece with you and to introduce you to the wonderful work of Mary Oliver. Written by Mary Oliver Narrated by Lauren Calder.

Transcript

Wild Geese by Mary Oliver 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 your 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.

Reviews

One of my favorite poems and shared by such a beautiful teacher here. Thank you so much for this calming and potent reminder.