The Grasshopper
I heard the poem for the first time driving to work. I was in my late 20’s and somewhat happily forced myself into listening to NPR. I think it made me feel smart and cultured; during this season where I was trying to establish myself as a real grown up who was informed and aware of current events and culture. NPR had done an interview with Mary Oliver, and she read ‘The Summer Day’ at the end of the segment. I pulled into my parking space just as the poem ended and sat there stunned, tears dropping into my lap. I was filled with a sweet unexpected feeling of awe — like laying in the grass and eating a slice of mango on a hot summer day with nothing to do. Or watching the sunset holding my lovers hand.
I am a writer at heart — even if not by profession. I love to read and I love poetry. I sometimes attempt to memorize poems, the really special ones. Yet, I cant bring myself to memorize this one, because I like the wonder I feel when I read or listen to its words and rhythm. I like to pretend its the first time I heard it. There’s something about memorizing it that I’m scared will take that away for me. This poem touched my soul. Great art has a way of doing that, of striking a devotion in us that we didn’t know was there, connecting us with something deeper, something primal we don’t quite understand.
The most famous part of that poem are the last two lines.
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
This last line is Oliver is speaking directly to you — in almost a challenge. These words, they are inspiring. And sure enough, they are worth remembering. People tape them to mirrors, pin them on corkboards, tattoo them on their arms.
But the part of the poem I loved the most was about the grasshopper. I imagine Mary Oliver must have sat and watched this little bug for a good while at least. When was the last time you spent time watching a bug? I think the heart of the poem asks us to consider what is a day well spent. It gives us something big and mysterious to ponder for a while. What makes a life well lived?
Are you like me? Do you get caught up in the trap of needing to feel productive? Getting things done. to-do lists, errands, cleaning house, accomplishing tasks and goals. In all that busyness I lose sight of the joy in idleness and doing nothing. Things like watching the sunset with my husband, laying the grass at the park with my daughter, reading a book on the couch, watching a grasshopper eat its lunch. None of which are on my to-do list.
