Joy is not made to be a crumb
From Mary Oliver’s 2010 collection.
"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. 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. 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."
This has long been one of my favorite things Mary Oliver has written.
It takes on a new level of realness this year. Being brave enough to stay soft and not wall up, to hope without exception, to hold loss and still, unrestrictedly, give into joy.
We can’t give into it from the edge of our seats, looking over our shoulders, bracing for impact or the rug to be pulled out again. I’m with you in that contradiction. It’s tough work. Not being afraid of the plenty; joy is not meant to be a crumb.
Adapted from Instagram.
