Mary Oliver's poetry has been a go to for me for many years, and even more so during
this pandemic. Last year I stumbled upon this poem, written by two of Mary's fans after
Mary's death. It came to mind as I read today's Psalm, in particular when the psalmist
says, "Put my tears into your bottle.." in verse 8. I invite you to read Mary Oliver's poem
and then the response of her fans during their time of grief...
I Go Down To The Shore
I go down to the shore in the morning
and depending on the hour the waves
are rolling in or moving out,
and I say, oh, I am miserable,
what shall—
what should I do? And the sea says
in its lovely voice:
"Excuse me, I have work to do.”
-- Mary Oliver, A Thousand Mornings
I Go Down To The Shore Again
I go down to the shore in that time
when my emotions roll over me like waves
rolling in or ebbing out,
and I say, oh, I am miserable,
what must—
what may I do? And the sea says
in its lovely voice:
"I will collect your tears.”
-- A tribute by two fans of Mary Oliver
Psalm 56
God, have mercy on me because I’m being trampled.
All day long the enemy oppresses me.
2 My attackers trample me all day long
because I have so many enemies.
Exalted one,
3 whenever I’m afraid,
I put my trust in you—
4 in God, whose word I praise.
I trust in God; I won’t be afraid.
What can mere flesh do to me?
5 All day long they frustrate my pursuits;
all their thoughts are evil against me.
6 They get together and set an ambush—
they are watching my steps,
hoping for my death.
7 Don’t rescue them for any reason!
In wrath bring down the people, God!
8 You yourself have kept track of my misery.
Put my tears into your bottle—
aren’t they on your scroll already?
9 Then my enemies will retreat when I cry out.
I know this because God is mine.
10 God: whose word I praise.
The Lord: whose word I praise.
11 I trust in God; I won’t be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?
12 I will fulfill my promises to you, God.
I will present thanksgiving offerings to you
13 because you have saved my life from death,
saved my feet from stumbling
so that I can walk before God in the light of life.