Crumbs of Joy

Seeing the first cherry blossoms in Japan

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate.

Give in to it.

There are plenty of lives and whole towns destroyed or about to be.

We are not wise, and not very often kind.

And much can never be redeemed.

Holding a copy of my novel for the first time

Still, life has some possibility left.

Perhaps this is its way of fighting back,

that sometimes something happens better than all the riches or power in the world.

Holding my granddaughter for the first time

It could be anything,

but very likely you notice it in the instant when love begins.

Anyway, that’s often the case.

Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid of its plenty.

Joy is not made to be a crumb.

I am a big fan of Mary Oliver’s poetry but I had not read her poem Don’t Hesitate before. On Saturday night we attended the play, Much Ado About Nothing produced by the Shakespeare in the Ruins company. I noticed that actress Sarah Constible had chosen to forgo the usual career highlights in her program profile and simply included the poem Don’t Hesitate beside her photo.

The words really resonated with me. Giving into joy is especially important when the world around us seems dark. In sad or troubling times, we shouldn’t forget that there is an abundance of joy to be found, enough for everyone if we are willing to share it.

We must not hide or horde joy for fear there will only be crumbs. Embrace joy, and look for it every chance you get.

Other posts……..

Inspiration From Mary Oliver

To Pay Attention

Two Poets on Prayer