Thank you God for most this amazing day, for Mary Oliver’s poems, for spring, and for eyes to see.
It was spring
and finally I heard him
among the first leaves—
then I saw him clutching the limb
in an island of shade
with his red-brown feathers
all trim and neat for the new year.
First, I stood still
and thought of nothing.
Then I began to listen.
Then I was filled with gladness—
and that’s when it happened,
when I seemed to float,
to be, myself, a wing or a tree—
and I began to understand
what the bird was saying,
and the sands in the glass
stopped
for a pure white moment
while gravity sprinkled upward
like rain, rising,
and in fact
it became difficult to tell just what it was that was singing—
it was the thrush for sure, but it seemed
not a single thrush, but himself, and all his brothers,
and also the trees around them,
as well as the gliding, long-tailed clouds
in the perfectly blue sky— all, all of them
were singing.
And, of course, yes, so it seemed,
so was I.
Such soft and solemn and perfect music doesn’t last
for more than a few moments.
It’s one of those magical places wise people
like to talk about.
One of the things they say about it, that is true,
is that, once you’ve been there,
you’re there forever.
Listen, everyone has a chance.
Is it spring, is it morning?
Are there trees near you,
and does your own soul need comforting?
Quick, then— open the door and fly on your heavy feet; the song
may already be drifting away.
— Mary Oliver, “Such Singing in the Wild Branches”
Owls and Other Fantasies: Poems and Essays,
Beacon Press, Boston, 2003, pp. 8-9
I was called to be an artist. And as an old old midwife said to me "If the Lord wants you to do something, you won't have no good luck' til you do." So, here I am, sharing what I love, longing to illuminate the work of art, which is everywhere.
Charleston Through an Artist's eye 
Charlotte thank you for posting that amazing poem! And I love your e.e.cummings reference. I’ve posted his poem on my blog and on my fridge where I am reminded every day. “i thank You God for most this amazing day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes’
Charlotte, thank you for your compliments on my photography. I share your love for the Lowcountry. The beauty, the colors, the warmth and the feeling of goodness surrounds me as I begin each day. Please contact me. My tours are for painters, artists, designers or anyone wishing to capture hidden gardens, crafted doorways, magnificent mansions and the glory of Charleston’s unique charm. I hope to meet you. I’ve subscribed to this site and thank you for sharing.
All the best, Joyce Aungst