The Journey

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.

Response:

I feel a deep connection with these words. It is almost as if she knows me. My life always seems so hectic and people around me are too demanding. I often forget to do what I need to do. I often forget who I am and fade into the background. I need to rise above the chattering voices around me and learn who I am. Learn who I can be. Learn to be me. The trick is to allow the voices to fade into the background and allow myself to come to the forefront. Allow me to be a priority. Work for myself, be myself. I know how difficult it is to explain to people why I am doing what I am doing. So I won't. I will go it alone and not fall into the trap of explanation. I will be me for me. Who will be here until I die? Who will be by my side when the worst occurs? The only answer is me. So I must protect who I am in order to stay strong. I must face the world as if nothing can stop me. I will listen to the voices around me but not let them control me. Who am I without myself? It sounds so strange to ask that question, yet I live as if it doesn't matter who I really am. Sometimes I am only a reflection of my surroundings. Like a mirror hung on the wall and manipulated by the changing scenery.

I am ready to learn who I am, not learn what other people want me to be.