Invitation

I came across this poem this morning. It seemed to fit well with my post from Tuesday. And I really like Mary Oliver. 

Invitation
by Mary Oliver

Oh do you have time
        to linger
                for just a little while
                        out of your busy

and very important day
        for the goldfinches
                that have gathered
                        in a field of thistles

for a musical battle,
        to see who can sing
                the highest note,

or the most expressive of mirth,
        or the most tender?
                Their strong, blunt beaks
                        drink the air

as they strive
        melodiously
                not for your sake
                        and not for mine

and not for the sake of winning
        but for sheer delight and gratitude --
                believe us, they say,
                        it is a very serious thing

just to be alive
        on this fresh morning
                in the broken world.
                        I beg you,

do not walk by
        without pausing
                to attend to this
                        rather ridiculous performance.

It could mean something.
It could mean everything.
It could be what Rilke meant, when he wrote:
You must change your life.

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