Such Silence
As deep as I ever went into the forest
I came upon an old stone bench, very, very old,
and around it a clearing, and beyond that
trees taller and older than I had ever seen.
Such silence!
It really wasn’t so far from a town, but it seemed
all the clocks in the world had stopped counting.
So it was hard to suppose the usual rules applied.
Sometimes there’s only a hint, a possibility.
What’s magical, sometimes, has deeper roots
than reason.
I hope everyone knows that.
I sat on the bench, waiting for something.
An angel, perhaps.
Or dancers with the legs of goats.
No, I didn’t see either. But only, I think, because
I didn’t stay long enough.
– Mary Oliver (from Blue Horses)
mere-et-filles 
That's a great poem, full of possibility.
I took a much-needed walk in the woods on Sunday, and as always, Mary Oliver expresses my feeling far better than I can. No angels, but I did see a wondrous view of the creek from far up the side of the ravine that made the creek look less like water and more like a beautiful undulating strip of blue in a picture just for me. I didn't stay long enough in the silence.
Mary Oliver has such a way with words, doesn't she? This is a beautiful poem.
Lovely. Mary Oliver always gets it Just Right! XO
Mary Oliver's way with words is truly beautiful. Thanks you!!
I really like this Mary. All the clocks in the world had stopped counting. How peaceful.
I love Mary's poem and often wish I had a bench to sit on (and a deep forest) and wait (for anything).
Such silence indeed! We must have been on the same wave length…I'm just reading your post – it's 6:44 pm! Amazing!Cheers~
This poem makes me feel peaceful. As does the beautiful photo you've shared. Thank you!
Lovely poem, I remember our walk through the totem park in Sitka, there were so many interesting things to see, unusual trees, totem poles, etc. Maybe I need to spend a bit more time walking through the forest?!