These days, more than ever, I’m following Mary Oliver’s advice and actively looking to be astonished and stand in wonder. The opportunities are there if you “pay attention”, and I need the counterbalance. So, I’m actively tuning myself to the joy channel, trying to notice and linger in such moments–this morning’s moonlight streaming through a frosty window…the daily sunrise…mist rising from the river as I cross the bridge on a frigid morning…the laughter of children reveling in the new fallen snow at recess…the steady warmth of the wood stove’s heat on my back as I write…so many small moments of wonder! And here was another one:
Taking the trash out on a January morning
I step outside into bitter cold
into clear, clean air
and a glow in the west
The moon hides below
the tops of snow-sugared pines
and casts a diffuse light heavenward
In the east the sun rises
in purples and reds
smudged with charcoal clouds
a canvas for the stark elegance
of winter trees
After hoisting the trash into the bin
I turn carefully
on the ice coated driveway
west to east, moon to sun
and then again
east to west, sun to moon
I turn and turn and turn
dizzy with the glory of it all
©Molly Hogan
I hope that your days offer up small wonders to notice and be astonished by, and that they act as a balm in these bruising times.
This week’s Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater at her blog, The Poem Farm.
Nix the comfort zone 
One must be deliberate these days – deliberate about paying attention, allowing astonishment, “processing” it–and this goes for the horrors as well as the wonders. I prescribe a ratio of 3 wonders for every horror. Thank you, Molly, Mary, Sun and Moon.
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I guess it’s kind of like 5 compliments/positives for every 1 complaint/negative.
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This: “actively tuning myself to the joy channel.”
And the way you found the perfect images for your poem — moon, sun, moon, sun, wonder, joy, astonishment, attention, praise. I, too, am working to dizzy myself on a daily basis.
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Here’s to finding dizzying joy each day. I’m glad we’re both on the lookout.
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Such a good poem about small wonders, Molly. I have take the dog for a very short walk (in the yard) at night and try to appreciate how beautiful the sky and stars and moon are.
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Tuning into the sky is almost always a positive! The moon has been amazing recently here, glowing over mounds of snow.
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Oh, that glorious dizziness at the end! I love the way you led us into it, turning, turning, turning. So lovely, Molly!
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Thanks, Karen. Here’s to joyful dizziness!
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Smudged with charcoal clouds
Dizzy with the glory of it all
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
>
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Thanks so much, Judith! And Happy, Happy Birthday!
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Thank you!!!😊 Sent from my iPhone
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Mmmm… “dizzying with the glory of it all” — It is lovely!
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Thanks! I have lots of glorious dizzy moments in my driveway lol!
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Finding the glorious dizziness can be so hard on these cold winter days, but your poem reminds me to look.
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It’s definitely easier to miss if you’re not looking! Good luck!
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So beautiful, Molly! Your words paint perfect images. With phrases like “purples and reds smudged with charcoal clouds” I could see it all even without the lovely photo. Keep being astonished by nature. It’s the best we can do in these troubling times.
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Nature is such a refuge ! Be well, Rose!
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There is some incredible truth to this writing, and it all starts with your title. The reminder to capture those small, beautiful moments that nature gives us, despite how much humankind tries to wrestle attention away from her! I am struck by the specificity of the details that place your reader right out there beside you, “dizzy with the glory of it all”!
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I’m really leaning into Nature’s generosity these days!
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So lovely. Photos and words… And I just adore the garbage and the beauty all mixed up in the same poem. I read once that great literature holds two emotions at the same time. The trash and loveliness here lets me see both at once, as life is, as we are. Dizzy indeed. xo for the week ahead. a.
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I love the idea about great literature holding two emotions at one time! That is so true in my own life these days. I tell my husband that I’m getting whiplash as I careen between the current cultural reality and the joy generated by all the awesome wonders in the natural world.
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Tuning into the joy channel? Yes!
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Fabulous photo! Please include in your upcoming coffee table book! I’m begging you. I’m ready to “tune myself to the joy channel.” On Netflix?
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Thanks, Dan! I’ll have to check Netlix…you never know! Hope you’re enjoying all the wonders out in California!
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