We become religious,
then we turn from it,
then we are in need and maybe we turn back.
We turn to making money,
then we turn to the moral life,
then we think about money again.
We meet wonderful people, but lose them
in our busyness.
We’re, as the saying goes, all over the place.
Steadfastness, it seems,
is more about dogs than about us.
One of the reasons we love them so much.
~ Mary Oliver
Credits:
- Thank you MJL for sharing the poem. I must check out Mary Oliver’s book “Dog Songs.” Amazing reviews on Amazon.
- Poem Source: “How It Is with Us, and How It Is with Them” by Mary Oliver, from Dog Songs via Writersalmanac
- Thank you Susan for the picture of our Zeke.
yes, indeed. and all i can think of, when i see zeke’s face is, ‘earnest.’
He is. And always hungry. “How about a treat Daddy?”
There’s a lot one can learn from our pups and there’s a lot our species could afford to ‘unlearn’. Love that boy’s face..
🙂 Me too. We too Mimi.
Love this post, love that face, love Mary Oliver. Thanks, David!
Me too Ann. Thank you.
Fabulous, David. The gravitas in Zeke’s expression tugs at my heart strings. Mimi’s right,our canine companions have much wisdom to share, we only need stop and listen. And Mary Oliver is wonderful….
Yes, she is amazing. How many stop-in-your-tracks poems has she written?
Can’t. Resist. That. Face!
and a wonderful poem as well 🙂
MJ
Yes to both MJ!
Steadfast and loyal. Zeke is a beautiful dog.
yes he is on both fronts, thank you Carolann
Such a sincere look. Even his nose appears to be looking at you. Love it!
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
🙂 He does Francine…
Yes, dogs are very steadfast, although they don’t need to think of money to pay for their food and vet bills, do they? They are worth every penny, though, and so loyal, unlike cats (no, don’t scream at me cat owners). Those felines will often move home without a qualm, just because the old dear down the road gives them better food!
While maybe they don’t think about who pays for it all, they are certainly grateful Sarah – and maybe that’s the trade? 🙂
And…YES!!! I love Mary Oliver and I love dogs…and I love that photo of Zeke. 🙂
🙂 Thanks!
Mary’s best friend is a dog.
And so, there you have it!
I know I love my four pups!
That’s right, you have 4, I don’t know how you manage.
Reblogging this one! 🙂
Enjoy, and thank you for sharing.
Reblogged this on Clear Stream of Reason and commented:
Steadfastness…A rarety nowadays…
It’s a REMINDER for me to re-align my stuff or let’s call it “Life”.
Yes
Reblogged this on Teacher as Transformer and commented:
I enjoy a Mary Oliver anytime. This is a gentle reminder to not lose our way in the busyness of life. Walk the beach, look at the mountains, or just find your space for retreat with those you care about. See them fully.
Sheer perfection – both in words and photo.
Thanks Sheri. Loved both too…
Wise words from Mary Oliver.
We would certainly do well to be more like dogs. Well, except for drooling and peeing on carpets.
Smiling. So true.
Mary Oliver…one of the greats, one of my favorites. Thank you for reminding me. Ann
Yes, loved it too. Thanks Ann