Poetry for the Soul: “Poppies” by Mary Oliver (1992)

Photo by Jack Prichett on Unsplash

Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash

The poppies send up their
orange flares; swaying
in the wind, their congregations
are a levitation

of bright dust, of thin
and lacy leaves.
There isn't a place
in this world that doesn't

sooner or later drown
in the indigos of darkness,
but now, for a while,
the roughage

shines like a miracle
as it floats above everything
with its yellow hair.
Of course nothing stops the cold,

black, curved blade
from hooking forward—
of course
loss is the great lesson.

But I also say this: that light
is an invitation
to happiness,
and that happiness,

when it's done right,
is a kind of holiness,
palpable and redemptive.
Inside the bright fields,

touched by their rough and spongy gold,
I am washed and washed
in the river
of earthly delight—

and what are you going to do—
what can you do
about it—
deep, blue night?

A brief musing from Anny: The imagery of poppies swaying and sending up their orange flares mirrors the intricate interplay of our internal parts, each contributing to the symphony of our experiences. The poem’s tender acknowledgment of inevitable loss and darkness represents the reality of our lives, where pain and challenges are an integral part of the journey. Yet, amidst this unflinching acknowledgment, Oliver eloquently underscores the significance of light and happiness. Here, light becomes a symbol of healing and an invitation to embrace joy - a form of holiness that is tangible and redemptive.

This mirrors the IFS approach and parts work, where understanding and integrating various parts of ourselves can lead us toward healing and a sense of wholeness, even amidst the inevitable darkness that life may present. The poem gently nudges us to embrace the contrast, finding solace and jamid of life's complex tapestry. Ultimately, this poem invites us to recognize the redemptive power of happiness and the therapeutic journey of navigating our inner terrain, where the opportunity for profound self-discovery and healing lies amidst the golden fields and the deep, blue night.