Indigene Art Forms

Exploring Life Through Art

Shop / Handmade Gifts, Work / Time = Journey

Time = Journey

Time = Journey

Many years ago, around the end of the year 2000, I began my artistic quest. I honestly had no idea what direction I was going; I simply knew I had “something creative ” inside of me. I read a lot of inspirational material on the creative life, tons of self-help books, basically whatever I could get my hands on to keep me focused. I discovered this poem around that time, although, I’m not sure where, but it is a poem that still resonates for me. Time takes us all on an amazing journey of discovery, I’m happy to still be on the journey of discovery.

“The Journey” by Mary Oliver

“One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice–
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
“Mend my life!”
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do–
determined to save
the only life you could save.”

I’d love to know, “What has time taught you on your journey…?”

Peace always to you and yours.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Love this! Time has taught me to be Me without apology and not try and become what other people want me to be 😉 Oh I might go back there every once in awhile but then I remember that we are all unique individuals and there is no right way there is only our own personal way 🙂 Yay us!

    • Thanks for stopping by Jill! Time can ravage, but it also teaches us so much on our human journey, as well as our spirit. 🙂

  2. You made my day Indigene! You are so inspiring. I love your words, I love your art!! Keep on going my friend <3

    • Valerie, I'm glad I made your day! You made mine as well, by stopping by! Thank you for your wonderful support.

  3. What a beautiful poem, it really resonates with me, thank you for sharing it! I think the biggest thing time has taught me on my journey is how useless fear is. That doesn't mean I don't still feel it, but I'm learning to let it stop me a little less each day.

    • Thanks Deanna, I love the poem, too! It still applies after all these years. I'm still learning about how useless fear is. It's a process, just one that I sometimes wish it went faster! 🙂

  4. Yes, this is one of my all time favorite Mary Oliver poems. I got to see her live in Seattle a number of years ago. She really packed the house with her gentle and familiar knowing. No matter how far I've let myself get pulled off track I can always count on my heart to lead me gently back to the path.

    thanks Indigene!

    • Thanks Jeanie! It's one of my favorites also. This poem reminds me of always getting back on track and that everything paves the way for the journey. How blessed you were to enjoy Mary Oliver live! Thanks again for stopping by. 🙂

  5. One of my favorite poems. I love Mary Oliver!

    Time has taught me to never give up. Take a break, be sad or angry or whatever, but always have an eye on moving through it and then trying again. There's always something new and good to be a part of as long as I keep moving forward.

    • Thanks so much for stopping by Kim. Mary Oliver will always be a favorite, she is timeless. Time sounds like its been good to you or you’ve handled it well! 🙂

    • Linda, thank you, for stopping by! You’re so right, we live it all the time. Also thanks for the compliment on my work, that means a lot to me, from you! 🙂