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.

I have been struggling for awhile with several personal issues in my life.  These issues range from personal relationships to spiritual relationships.  For the past two years, I have attempted to hold things together for everyone but myself.  I realized, after having to leave church Sunday morning because I just couldn't keep my composure any longer, that until I am able to hold myself together, I will never be able to help anyone else hold it together.  This poem spoke volumes to me today.  I realized after reading it that it is crucial for me to figure out quickly how to take care of me.