Mary Jane Oliver was an American poet who won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize.

Her wisdom and candor offers readers the opportunity to see the world as it is and then slightly adjust their gaze to see the potential for hope and healing.

In this time of uncertainty, we can look to poetry, art and music to provide comfort, wisdom and a little beauty. We hope you enjoy this poem that Coach Beverly has chosen to share.

I WORRIED

I worried a lot. Will the garden grow, will the rivers

flow in the right direction, will the earth turn

as it was taught, and if not, how shall I correct it?

Was I right, was I wrong, will I be forgiven,

can I do better?

Will I ever be able to sing, even the sparrows

can do it and I am, well,

hopeless.

Is my eyesight fading or am I just imagining it,

am I going to get rheumatism,

lockjaw, dementia?

Finally I saw that worrying had come to nothing.

And gave it up. And took my old body

and went out into the morning,

and sang.

By Mary Jane Oliver, (September 10, 1935 – January 17, 2019) From Swan, 2010

Also read our blog 10 Mental Health Strategies while we Shelter-in-Place

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