When Death Comes
When death comes
like the hungry bear in autumn;
when death comes and takes all the bright coins from his purse
to buy me, and snaps the purse shut;
when death comes
like the measle-pox
when death comes
like an iceberg between the shoulder blades,
I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering:
what is it going to be like, that cottage of darkness?
And therefore I look upon everything
as a brotherhood and a sisterhood,
and I look upon time as no more than an idea,
and I consider eternity as another possibility,
and I think of each life as a flower, as common
as a field daisy, and as singular,
and each name a comfortable music in the mouth,
tending, as all music does, toward silence,
and each body a lion of courage, and something
precious to the earth.
When it's over, I want to say all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.
When it's over, I don't want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened,
or full of argument.
I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.
--Mary Oliver
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77 Past Reflections
On Nov 3, 2024 Martin wrote :
Witness life in its fullest majesty as daisy or lion and all in between.
Action without attachment to result, clears away suffering, then life can be lived in all its glory.
Action without attachment to result, clears away suffering, then life can be lived in all its glory.
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On Aug 18, 2024 Eve wrote :
I’m afraid of death and afraid of living in equal measure. The difference is there is something I can do about living but there is nothing I can do about death. I love this poem because it encourages me to experience while I can.
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On Mar 5, 2024 Bob wrote :
“When death comes" is a poem in which the author, Mary Oliver, comtemplates how she should live her life in the most rewarding way possible. Mary considers this goal by comparing living to death, because she believes death and life are important in their own ways. One reason that we chose this is that “When Death Comes” uses a lot of figurative language. One example of this is when Oliver compares death to a bear coming out of hibernation using a simile, in the line “like the angry bear in autumn” (Oliver). Another comparison made is when she compares life to a flower, when she states “each life as a flower” (Oliver). What this line is showing is that the author imagines life as very common, but also life being an individual experience. It can also be interpreted as demonstrating that life is a delicate thing. Additionally, the poem has a strong theme. In the poem the writer is constantly speculating about “when death comes” and saying that they want to have a meaning... [View Full Comment]
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On Jan 30, 2024 victoria wrote :
Mary Oliver's poem explores the inevitability of death, highlighting its inescapable nature. Instead of fear or resistance, the speaker embraces curiosity about the unknown. Oliver's verses invite readers to view life as a brotherhood and sisterhood, time as an idea, and eternity as a tantalizing possibility. Each life is likened to a flower, and the speaker aspires to live a life of amazement, seizing the world with an embrace akin to a bridegroom.
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On Jan 1, 2024 Linda Riana wrote :
I love this Poem.. I do reflect on death and what it means. As Alan Watts said; You can't remember what life was like before you were born, death is like that, we just go to sleep and do not wake up.
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On Dec 8, 2023 maria wrote :
I think its beautiful knowing that she probably did die with feelings of content and was able to mark her name in this world.
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On Mar 22, 2023 Edna Light wrote :
This is an inspiration to live more fully and to make life richer. I have told my family I want it read at my wake.
1 reply: Raza | Post Your Reply
On Feb 15, 2023 Sharyn Rolland wrote :
To the awakin.org owner, You always provide useful links and resources.
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On Feb 3, 2023 Carol Travis wrote :
This poem is real and present. I have lost my whole family. I am always amazed and smiling about the power of love and words and movement. We pass on to our families and friends what we cannot take into the grave ourselves. I read this poem in 2004 inna college course. I have not forgotten it. I doubt I will .thank you Mary Oliver you did more than live.
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On Jan 24, 2023 Johnny wrote :
Underground mining is a place to work as safe as possible, but when friends become complacent is how accidents happen.
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On Jan 19, 2023 McKaela wrote :
Very Beautiful, and Calming, and I like how it started to talk about Brotherhood and Sisterhood.
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On Nov 9, 2022 Alison Tyler wrote :
This is a very grown up poem. It acknowledges that we will die and suggests an attitude of wholehearted living, a joyful embracing of life and of our relationships with the earth and the creation, an openness to experience and creativity that makes it all worthwhile. Life will not be wasted if we live fully until we die, proclaiming that we believe in life before death as well as after. When we die having lived such a life, life to the full and running over, then we will know ‘I have’ indeed ‘made of my life something particular, and real’. May this be true for me and for each one of us .
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On Dec 12, 2021 Joanie mikasha alexander wrote :
I like that she included the fear and positively changing perspective of the unknown to a positive one . From the victim to the victor...the scared rabbit to the lion. or the frightened to the empowered. Living my life with some lived connectedness and pausing with courage to review its meaning in terms of purpose and allowing God and nature to direct my life. AM i on my path still? I definitely believe i have lived an incredible life thus far and look forward to continuing untill it comes for me..
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On Oct 22, 2021 Jodie wrote :
This poem speaks volumes to me living an unpartnered lifein a very coupled world. Does anyone else feel that way?
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On Sep 26, 2021 Tammy wrote :
I want this printed in my obituary.... yes please let me live in this way.
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On Jun 2, 2021 David Martinez wrote :
I really think the poem was great really great
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On May 30, 2021 jack wrote :
I hate dumb asses on this app, enjoy the poem, and shut the fuck up.
1 reply: David | Post Your Reply
On Jun 24, 2020 Theresa wrote :
Reaching out to the world around us by
Listening, watching and seeing and quietly letting themurmurs and messages reach our hearts and souls.
Listening, watching and seeing and quietly letting themurmurs and messages reach our hearts and souls.
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On Feb 29, 2020 Walter Luis Basos Doege wrote :
Somehow a positive Head on estate facing in front with a positive scope
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On Oct 16, 2019 Fran Spellman wrote :
I recently read this poem at a memorial service for a dear friend who had died suddenly. At 52 years old, Colin was only just beginning and reading these precious words to him were consoling. Mary Oliver speaks of being in the moment and I appreciate greatly her oneness with all sentient beings. Thank you dear person.
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On Jul 7, 2019 Zenmyme wrote :
How I want to live. Most beautiful, Me. Oliver. Thank you.
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On Jan 27, 2019 Greg wrote :
Yesterday on retreat I heard this poem and of the poets passing. Reflecting on skill skill of her words and the loss of someone I don’t know but who’s vision helped nurture my own.
as ever ther is beauty in this impermanence and in this world we briefly visit.
as ever ther is beauty in this impermanence and in this world we briefly visit.
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On Jan 20, 2019 Ned wrote :
An introduction to the poetry of ms Oliver- So insightful and so grand
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On Jan 19, 2019 vivian sulzman wrote :
Simply put and beautifully expressed. All that I believe. She certainly brought alive so much of life. What a beautiful poet for our universe to enjoy!
Thanks
Thanks
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On Jan 18, 2019 B. Towsley wrote :
Oh, the joy of not having to be concerned, worry, give thought to what comes after this flesh life. This is the joy unspeakable for those who have chosen a life with the eternal creator in receiving a new spiritual birth. The blessed assurance when we choose the new birth offered in receiving Jesus as our Savior——to be born again of an incorruptible seed, our spirit quickened into that spiritual realm that is eternal~~~~to never having a moment of fear or concern or fear. The wonder of knowing in the very second our life on this earth is over we will find ourselves present with our God for eternity——— IF we have made that choice to be born again of the spirit of Jesus, the Christ (redeemer).
4 replies: Mark, Trent, Ellen, Leslie | Post Your Reply
On Jan 18, 2019 Sushama lohia wrote :
She is sleeping on the pages of her poetry
In the definition of eternity
Alive in our hearts.....
In the definition of eternity
Alive in our hearts.....
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On Jan 18, 2019 T. Wallace wrote :
January has Died.. see NYTimes obituary
, January 18, 2019. What better time to read this!
, January 18, 2019. What better time to read this!
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On Jan 18, 2019 Lynne wrote :
Mary Oliver is one of my heroes, an ongoing inspiration. This poem is so perfectly said; I want to aspire to its sentiment. Thank you for sharing!
1 reply: Nina | Post Your Reply
On Jan 18, 2019 Bonnie G Danowski wrote :
I believe The poet lives within each of us. Mary was able to put it on paper. Allowing her innermost self to be shared with and encouraging to everyone who read her. My wish for my eulogy is but one statement. “She made a difference.” Mary certainly did and her words will echo for a very very long time, consoling, challenging, confiding, and taking her place in history as one of the most loved poets of our time.
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On Jan 18, 2019 Rachelhawkes wrote :
My first reading of this poem - I’m touched and as with all good poetry, slightly introspective. Going to spend some moments pondering on this.
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On Jan 17, 2019 GretaSF wrote :
Her presence will be felt on this earth for many long years as her words resonate again and again bringing light and joy.
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On Jan 17, 2019 Andrea wrote :
You have been a bright star, illuminating my world. I will miss you so, Mary Oliver.
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On Jan 17, 2019 Anne Hargreaves wrote :
A sad day for all Mary Oliver fans. A magnificent human left us today. One thing is for certain. With reference to one of my favorite of her poems, "When Death Comes," Mary certainly did not just visit this world.
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On Sep 20, 2015 LucyKay wrote :
Oh my lord. What a fantastic piece of writing. Truly beautiful. Thank you Mary Oliver xxx
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On Jul 22, 2014 Moe Miller wrote :
When death comes like a starving wolf pouncing on a helpless lamb,
I am the meat, but He is the blood, and death does not own me, for I am the slave of another Man.
When death comes like the jailer with the keys to the door,
I step into the brightness, neither to wonder or wander anymore.
And I look back to see time was but a map, showing the paths to narcissism and the paths to love,
stairs to the loneliness below, and stairs to the friendship above.
And each name a delight in my mouth, each friend my sumptuous meal,
rendering me nourished, satisfied, whole, and real.
When all is said and done, I am just a domino in a long line,
and on queue, I fall tipping another, for no one can simply visit time.
-Moe Miller
1 reply: Jc | Post Your Reply
On May 31, 2007 Timoteo wrote :
Jesus is our REAL life.We never die.The REAL I, never dies.We do not think of death.We think of life,the eternal life.It is not an illusion.IT IS THE PURE AND AUTHENTIC TRUENESS AND REALITY.So remember the ETERNITY n o w.This moment is very, very important and vital.Thank you Mary Oliver, for sharing about WHEN DEATH COMES.
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On Oct 26, 2006 Ebenezer Okpara wrote :
Life I can say,is all about what you left behind for others to see and may be emulate.It pays to live your foothprints on the sands of time.That is another kind of great legacy one can live for his or her loved ones,Ones memory is often kept alive even when He is nowhere to be found.this is the case of many Great inventors who are dead for long,e.g when you pick up you telephone,who do remember??.when you switch on your electricity who do you remember,when you see the rail,cars,your computers,televisions,radios etc.
this and more I feel is life, which is proved (like a gold is refined through the fire)when DEATH COMES.
this and more I feel is life, which is proved (like a gold is refined through the fire)when DEATH COMES.
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On Oct 23, 2006 elsa wrote :
A wonderful piece of art!
This reminds me the beautiful song,"oneday at a time" A life lived fully today has no regret tomorrow.I want to be fully Human,And fully Alive.
Thank you for inspiring me.
This reminds me the beautiful song,"oneday at a time" A life lived fully today has no regret tomorrow.I want to be fully Human,And fully Alive.
Thank you for inspiring me.
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On Oct 16, 2006 bharat wrote :
In gita it says,u r not this body,u r eternal, so who dies? ego dies.what is ego? bharat,who thinks he is individual,if it is true,than a flower,an insect,an elephant they also r seperate,what r they made up of? five elements, so this 5 elements dissolve in itself,do we call it a death?
there is not much difference between a good night sleep and death.the little difference is after a night sleep, we remeber our previous day,but after death, we change the old ,worn out instrument to a new one to fulfill the desires it died with,so we have to rejoice. but there is another higher way of dying, is to b just desireless, and you become eternal.ajar,amar,satchitanand.
there is not much difference between a good night sleep and death.the little difference is after a night sleep, we remeber our previous day,but after death, we change the old ,worn out instrument to a new one to fulfill the desires it died with,so we have to rejoice. but there is another higher way of dying, is to b just desireless, and you become eternal.ajar,amar,satchitanand.
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On Oct 16, 2006 cody wrote :
Oh my when you speak about death ,i really get scared ,knowing and thinking i can also die at any time. but the question i always ask myself is, when death comes will i be ready for it? many times i get an answer of NO! an thats makes me live responsibly now coz now realise the last day of living.
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On Oct 13, 2006 Thirima F. wrote :
Life is a mystery if one is afraid of death,but once you accept that we don't know the time of death and embrace this,Life becomes a celebration.
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On Oct 13, 2006 Cletus Zuzarte wrote :
Yes! the thought and reflection on Death makes me once again commitment myself to the business of living life with integrity and making a difference!
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On Oct 12, 2006 moggs wrote :
I think about death on a daily basis. During the day, when I think about it, it is hard to wrap my brain around the fact that one day, quite like the one I am it, it really come for me and those around me. At night, it is a different story. I frequently wake up in the middle of the night with the most clear sensation and awareness of what being alive really means and somehow in this lucid moment I can grasp, that this life, all that we know, will come to an end. The fear and sadness that used to accompany this moment in the beginning has faded, and now it is like a strong cup of coffee in the morning - it wakes me up inside to what is real. It isn't anything in the material world, including our personalities and possessions. It is the invisible space, the voice that only I can hear, my only true companion in this life that knows the truth.
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On Oct 12, 2006 Prafulla wrote :
Nice insight Pavi good going!!!
coming to Oliver's poem this is the first time i ever came across her poem.. all i can say is wonderful ... 10/10
whats next is my question... ok i dont want to just visit this world i want to make a difference and this is one thing that runs in my mind every night i go to bed before i thank God because i feel that everyone is born on purpose
so how does one realise that purpose...
I may be wrong i amy be right...
coming to Oliver's poem this is the first time i ever came across her poem.. all i can say is wonderful ... 10/10
whats next is my question... ok i dont want to just visit this world i want to make a difference and this is one thing that runs in my mind every night i go to bed before i thank God because i feel that everyone is born on purpose
so how does one realise that purpose...
I may be wrong i amy be right...
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On Oct 6, 2006 pavi wrote :
Thoughts from Wednesday's Circle:
*A couple of my own thoughts- i thought it was quite an interesting poem. The title is unusual. To me death is always inspring. It takes me to the importance or non importance of what I'm doing in the present moment. A few years ago we had a retreat with a Tibetan nun on death and dying. One of the neat things about it- she shared that if you really want to prepare to die then you have to really start to live. This concept of living in each moment giving rise to dying in each moment being inextricably connected. A Zen monk was here a few years ago and someone asked him what would you do if you had 15 minutes left to live and without missing a beat he said-- well whats wrong with this? This reflection lifts you up out of whatever myopic view you are stuck in at the moment. Someone asked a sage what he thought the most intriguing thing was about the human condition. He said all around us we see death and decay and impermanence but we don't believe tha... [View Full Comment]
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On Oct 4, 2006 Rekha wrote :
I loved it and it was as though someone spoke my heart out aloud!!
Life is a wonder every moment, and I will live it every moment ...
My only prayer to the universe is to bring me back again & again to the present moment ...
Let me not falter from the now and live it fully & completely so that when the groom is here, I am ever ready...
waiting every moment to leave ....
and yet enjoying the stay now to the fullest ...
Life is a wonder every moment, and I will live it every moment ...
My only prayer to the universe is to bring me back again & again to the present moment ...
Let me not falter from the now and live it fully & completely so that when the groom is here, I am ever ready...
waiting every moment to leave ....
and yet enjoying the stay now to the fullest ...