Mary Oliver Poem #1: This Morning

 THIS MORNING

This morning the redbirds’ eggs

have hatched and already the chicks

are chirping for food. They don't

know where it’s coming from, they

just keep shouting, “More! More!”

As to anything else, they haven’t

had a single thought. Their eyes

haven’t yet opened, they know nothing 

about the sky that’s waiting. Or

the thousands, the millions of trees. 

They don't even know they have wings.


And just like that, like a simple

neighborhood event, a miracle

is taking place.


This Mary Oliver poem immediately drew my attention because it is about morning time, my favorite time of day (other than sunset). Reading this poem immediately brought me back to being a child when I would notice the sounds of nature when I woke up. Back then, my mind was not so preoccupied with other thoughts that damaged my perception of my surrounding environment. I vividly remember having to wake up before the sun rose before school to pick out my outfit, pack a lunch, and have breakfast. By the time I was ready to go to school, the sun was just rising and my mom and I would walk to my elementary school. I remember the refreshing feeling I would have after stepping outside, sensing the cool air on my skin and seeing the dew on the grass. I would notice all the sounds of the birds too, chirping without a care in the world other than being fed. I took special notice if there had been rain the night before because there would be worms on the sidewalk. I didn’t like that much since looking at them made me uncomfortable, but I was thrilled to see rolly-pollys. 

Mary Oliver references the blissful ignorance of the birds in the morning, and how their

only concern has to do with eating/survival. This reminds me of the blissful ignorance I had as a child and that every child should have. Children, when raised in a safe and comfortable environment, tend to not be worried about what's next. There is no concern for what’s happening next week, any responsibilities or deadlines, or anxiety about the unknown. They are completely present at the moment and take notice of all the small details around them. As I have grown older, I have lost this curiosity and awareness of my surroundings. I am always in such a rush that I don’t take the time to hear the birds sing or enjoy a peaceful, slow morning. After reading this poem, I was filled with nostalgia for what mornings used to mean to me, and I want to integrate that time back into my life.



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